The Triad Enquiry Model: Collaborative, Evidence-Informed School Improvement
At Rainbow Education Multi Academy Trust, we are committed to collaborative, evidence-informed school improvement. To embed a culture of continuous professional development and reflective practice, we implement a Triad Enquiry Model for our headteachers. This dynamic approach fosters deep peer collaboration, shared expertise, and structured enquiry to drive sustainable, high-impact improvement across all our schools.
Structure of the Triad Enquiry Model
1. Formation of Triads
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Each Triad consists of three headteachers from different schools across the Trust.
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Triads are carefully matched to ensure a mix of strengths, challenges, and contexts, enabling meaningful collaboration and mutual learning.
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Headteachers remain in their Triad for the full academic year to allow for deep, sustained enquiry and rigorous impact evaluation.
2. Focus of the Enquiry
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Each Triad selects a shared enquiry focus linked directly to Trust-wide priorities and key school improvement areas (e.g., Early Reading, SEND, Curriculum Depth, Attendance, Leadership Development).
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The enquiry question must be specific, evidence-driven, and impactful, ensuring that the findings contribute valuable knowledge to wider Trust improvement.
3. The Enquiry Cycle
The Triad Enquiry Model follows a structured, term-based cycle designed to move from planning to measurable impact.
| Phase | Duration (Example) | Key Activities |
| Phase 1 – Initial Enquiry & Planning | October | Triads meet to identify key challenges and form a clear, research-informed enquiry question. Headteachers present their school context, conduct a literature review, and outline data gathering methods. |
| Phase 2 – Implementation & Reflection | October - February | Each headteacher pilots new strategies/interventions in their own school. Triads engage in structured peer visits to:<ul><li>Observe lessons or practices related to the enquiry.</li><li>Review pupil work and teacher planning.</li><li>Gather staff and pupil voice.</li></ul>Headteachers provide structured feedback and coaching to one another and interpret/analyse the qualitative and quantitative data gathered. |
| Phase 3 – Review & Impact Evaluation | February | Each Triad gathers impact data to assess the effectiveness of their focus. They analyse trends and successes, ensuring findings are rooted in evidence. Triads present their outcomes to the Trust Leadership Team, contributing to the Trust-wide knowledge base. |
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Key Principles and Expected Outcomes
Key Principles
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Trust & Collaboration: Headteachers support and challenge each other in a high-trust environment where professional vulnerability is embraced.
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Enquiry-Led Practice: Decisions and actions are grounded in data, research, and observed impact rather than assumptions.
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Sustainable Change: By focusing on small, meaningful improvements, the model ensures long-term, embedded change rather than short-term fixes.
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Collective Responsibility: Findings and best practices are shared across the Trust, creating a ripple effect that benefits all schools and pupils.
Expected Outcomes
Through this Triad Enquiry Model, Rainbow Education Multi Academy Trust is empowering its headteachers to lead transformational change, resulting in:
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Strengthened leadership capacity through deep professional dialogue.
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Enhanced school improvement strategies based on real-world application and evidence.
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Increased consistency in high-impact practices across the Trust.
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A culture of reflection and research-led practice embedded within our leadership teams.
This model ensures that every child in our schools flourishes by placing evidence-based enquiry at the heart of our leadership development and school improvement strategy.
Would you like to see examples of previous enquiry focuses, or information about how this model links to our wider Trust strategy?