Alternative provision research network 

Primary education with PR student with children in classroom
Teacher trainee outside with children laughing

Alternative Provision Research Network (APRN)

The Alternative Provision Research Network (AP) based within the Carnegie School of Education at Leeds Beckett University has been established to support education practitioners who have a shared commitment and passion for improving the educational experiences and life chances of children and young people in Alternative Provision (AP) settings. Led by Professor Anthony Maher, the aim of the network will bring together academic experts and practitioners across the country to use research as part of whole-setting improvement plans that will impact positively on pupil outcomes.

This will be achieved through supporting colleagues to become research engaged and helping practitioners to develop the knowledge and skills required to design and conduct research so that their practice can be research informed.

The Alternative Provision Research Network will:

  • Identify the key areas of AP in need of research
  • Create collaborative research groups of academics and practitioners within settings to conduct joint projects
  • Publish the findings in an open access working paper series - with articles written by the practitioners and edited by academics and an editorial board from the AP sector
  • Host an annual conference to showcase good practice
  • Develop professional development to support practitioners

The current research themes from the network are as follows:

  • Mainstream & AP Collaboration
  • Curriculum
  • Impacts of Exclusion
  • Leadership
  • Parent & Family
  • Pastoral
  • Professional Learning
  • Student Identities
  • Teaching & Learning
  • Transitions & Destinations

For further information about joining the network, please email APRN@Leedsbeckett.ac.uk