Learning from the best: Bedford Free School hosts Attendance and Behaviour Hub

Bedford Free School welcomed colleagues from schools across the region, including London and Essex, for an Attendance and Behaviour Hub, offering visitors the opportunity to see first-hand the approaches that underpin the school’s consistently high attendance rates of over 97%.

The free event, which ran from 8am to 2pm, was led by Principal Tom Wood and the Senior Leadership Team. It provided an insight into the school’s daily routines, high expectations and the importance of creating a consistent approach to attendance and behaviour across the whole school community.

Throughout the morning, visiting colleagues had the opportunity to observe the school in action, from pupils arriving at school and lining up for the morning address to the calm and purposeful movement around the building during silent transitions. Visitors also observed lessons, gaining an insight into the focused learning environment and the routines that support pupils throughout the school day.

A key part of the session explored how Bedford Free School ensures that staff, pupils and families understand and share its expectations around attendance and behaviour. Through clear communication, established routines and a consistent approach, the school works to ensure that everyone plays their part in creating an environment where pupils can thrive.

With schools travelling from across the region to attend, the Hub provided a valuable opportunity for colleagues to share experiences, ask questions and take away practical ideas that could be applied in their own settings.

The day was a great example of the value of collaboration and professional learning, bringing schools together to share effective practice and explore how a strong culture of attendance and behaviour can make a difference to pupils' experiences and outcomes.

Thank you to Tom Wood, the Senior Leadership Team and everyone at Bedford Free School who helped make the day such a success, and to all the colleagues who took the time to join us.