Spotlight: The Cardiff Partnership

The Cardiff Partnership has strengthened its provision by embedding research-informed clinical practice in collaboration with Oxford University. Drawing on the Oxford Internship model, the approach actively involves schools in shaping the curriculum, pedagogy and structure of training programmes. A central innovation is the introduction of Research Champions (RC) across Lead Partnership Schools/Alliances. These champions guide and support student teachers’ engagement with school-based research, acting as role models while helping to bridge the longstanding gap between classroom practice and academic research. RCs are supported through professional development networks led by Cardiff Metropolitan University and national initiatives such as national strategy for Education Research and Enquiry (NSERE) and National Professional Enquiry Project (NPEP). Their presence has led to meaningful impact: student assignments show deeper contextual insight and understanding of teaching and well-being, while school staff benefit from growing confidence in research-informed practice. In some cases, student-led findings have even shaped school decisions, for example prompting increased support for outdoor learning based on research conducted around pupil well-being.

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