80 educators from across the south-east unite for KS3 alliance launch event
80 teachers, headteachers and trust leaders from across the south-east gathered at Jubilee High School in Addlestone today to consider how schools can re-energise the early secondary years and make pupils’ experiences across Years 7 to 9 more ambitious, engaging and purposeful.
The event brought education leaders together to share effective practice, examine the challenges facing pupils during Key Stage 3 and identify the changes that could make the greatest difference.
It was part of a national roadshow organised by the KS3 Alliance, a new sector-led initiative commissioned by the Department for Education through its universal RISE programme.
Led in the south-east by regional co-chair, Alex Russell, BET CEO, the event explored the distinctive role of Key Stage 3 and how schools can give these critical years a stronger sense of purpose.
Key Stage 3 is the last stage of education experienced by all pupils before they begin to follow different pathways. Despite its importance, it has received significantly less national attention than primary education, GCSEs or post-16 study.
Evidence suggests that pupils’ engagement, attendance and sense of belonging can decline during Years 7 to 9, with consequences for attainment, behaviour and longer-term outcomes.
The KS3 Alliance has been established to develop a clearer understanding of what excellent early secondary education looks like and to identify, test and share the approaches already making a difference.
Its initial areas of focus include:
- Strengthening pupils’ engagement and sense of belonging
- Building secure foundations in literacy and numeracy
- Improving the use of assessment and data across Years 7 to 9
- Developing pupils’ confidence, agency, skills and readiness for future pathways
During the roadshow, hosted at Jubilee High School, educators explored how creating an inclusive culture and a strong sense of belonging can have a direct impact on pupils’ engagement, success in the curriculum and future outcomes.
Participants also contributed to the Alliance’s national Call for Evidence, which is seeking examples of effective practice as well as honest reflections on the lessons schools have learned from implementing different approaches.
Alongside the Call for Evidence, the Alliance is running a national pupil survey to hear directly from young people about their experiences of learning, belonging, relationships, attendance, behaviour, confidence and enjoyment during Years 7 to 9.
The Alliance is not approaching the work with predetermined answers. It wants to draw on the expertise and experience of schools, trusts, researchers, practitioners and young people in every region, following the evidence wherever it leads.
Alex Russell, BET CEO and regional co-chair of the KS3 Alliance for the south-east, said:
“Bringing together 80 educators from across the south-east demonstrates both the scale of this challenge and the determination within our region to address it.
Key Stage 3 is an enormously important period in a young person’s education. Pupils are adapting to secondary school, developing greater independence and beginning to make decisions that will shape their future.
Schools across the south-east are already doing thoughtful and ambitious work during these years. Today has allowed us to bring that expertise together, learn from one another and identify where collective action could make an even greater difference.”
Rebecca Boomer-Clark, co-chair of the KS3 Alliance, said:
“Seeing so many educators come together in the south-east shows the energy and commitment that exists across the sector to improve the early secondary years.
Key Stage 3 is the last universal stage of education before young people begin to follow different pathways. What happens during these years has a profound impact on pupils’ attendance, engagement, attainment and readiness for the choices ahead of them.
These years should be ambitious, engaging and purposeful for every pupil. They should build strong foundations in knowledge and skills while developing the relationships, confidence, belonging and aspiration young people need to thrive.
The answers will not come from one organisation or from Whitehall. They will come from listening carefully to schools and pupils, understanding what is already working and bringing people together to develop and test practical solutions. The contribution from colleagues across the south-east will be an important part of that work.”
The KS3 Alliance’s Call for Evidence and national pupil survey are open until 5pm on Monday 9 November 2026.
Schools, trusts, teachers, leaders, researchers, organisations and young people can find out more and contribute at www.ks3alliance.org.uk.