Research
Marlborough School utilises an evidence based approached including for strategic decision making and teaching approaches. We are also part of the Empower Research Hub through Challenge Partners, and Liz Smith our headteacher, is also an Affiliated Researcher with The Open University.
Evidence based pedagogy approaches include:
- Zones of Regulation
- Positive Behaviour Support
- Holistic Assessment
- PERMA
- Theraplay
- TAC PAC/Intensive Interaction
- Attention Autism
- TEACCH
Publications:
Beyond manifestos. What does education need next? SSAT, Nov 26th, 2023
Holistic Assessment at Marlborough School, March 17th, 2024
Further reading
Capable Learning environments
Action research projects 2025-2026
As part of our School Development Plan (SDP) 2025-2026 staff worked in teams, choosing a focus area to explore. The findings from these projects have all been incorporated into our SDP 26/27. The project themes were:
- Student choices - How can student voice be used to foster independence, for teenagers with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
- Art and sustainability - Can we develop sustainable and environmentally friendly strategies to reduce the waste and cost of art materials?
- Teacher development - What support or information do teachers and/or HLTA’s feel would be most beneficial when moving from teaching in a specific Key Stage or Pathway?
- Regulation breaks - What are the active ingredients to make a successful regulation break? Do breaks for regulation and breaks for engagement differ in what they should be structured like?
- Reading - What is the effectiveness and function of phonics vs. gestalt learning across the school?
We also held an Action Research conference in June where several of our teams resented on their work. A key note ‘Developing an Evidence-Informed School: From Policy to Practice’ was delivered by Dr Ben Evans from The Open University.
Reserach with The Open University - Music and Preparation for Adulthood (PfA)
Liz is working on a research project with Dr Ben Evans at The Open University entitled ‘The value of music to develop Preparation for Adulthood skills for students with severe learning difficulties (SLD).’ This project aims to capture the development in Preparation for Adulthood skills through the experiences of music making for students participating in music activities such as choir and drumming club at Marlborough Legacy. Ben is the researcher primarily responsible for carrying out fieldwork with staff and liaising with other stakeholders and parents/carers. Liz is the researcher primarily responsible for carrying out fieldwork with students. A favourable opinion from HREC (ethics) at the OU was received in February 2025, and data collection started in March 2025.
