Teaching and Learning at Clifton College: An Evidence‑Informed Approach

Clifton College is committed to being a leading evidence‑informed independent school, shaping teaching and learning through intentional, integrated and collaborative development. At the heart of this work is a belief in the power of collective efficacy - the idea that when teachers, pupils and parents are all empowered as partners in learning, outcomes improve for everyone. Our goal is to build and embed a shared understanding of teaching and learning across the College, supported by a shared language that helps us express, refine and strengthen our practice.

We draw on more than a century of published research into cognition, child development, self‑regulated learning and self‑efficacy. Alongside this, we actively engage with contemporary research and the excellent work produced by organisations such as the Research Schools Network, The Chartered College of Teaching, Ambition Institute, The Education Endowment Foundation and The Great Teaching Toolkit.

A Whole‑College Strategy for Teaching and Learning

To align understanding and practice across the College, we are developing a long‑term strategy for teaching and learning. Each term, all teachers work on a shared pedagogical focus linked to child development. This is introduced through a keynote presentation at INSET and supported by mixed‑group discussion sessions and a professional development booklet filled with research, guidance and recommended sources.

Our termly cycle of development is underpinned by collaboration. Teachers pair up to visit one another’s lessons and then engage in reflective, learning‑focused conversations linked to the termly theme. Every term, our See and Share Week invites teachers from across the College to pledge visits to colleagues’ lessons, strengthening professional curiosity and cross‑phase understanding. In addition, our Teacher Learning Communities meet twice a term to discuss practice, share insights and explore new ideas.

The term concludes with the Clifton College TeachMeet, where teachers deliver short, informal presentations celebrating their professional development journeys and the learning that has taken place.

Professional Learning Leadership

We are fortunate to have a wealth of passionate, skilled teachers who are deeply committed to developing teaching and learning. Over the past few years, we have introduced two new roles: Professional Learning Lead Teachers and Professional Learning Ambassadors. These colleagues meet regularly to discuss strategy, share expertise and support staff across the College.

Our Lead Teachers are also trained instructional coaches, enabling us to offer one‑to‑one coaching for any teacher who wishes to take part. They are reflective practitioners who provide guidance, encouragement and practical support whenever needed.

Empowering Pupils as Learners

Teaching and learning at Clifton College is not limited to staff development - pupils are active partners in this work. We run Student Learning Specialist groups in both the Preparatory and Upper Schools, meeting several times a term to explore learning strategies, study skills and approaches to independent work.

Year groups regularly receive presentations on topics such as becoming independent learners, understanding the difference between study and homework, and preparing effectively for exams. These sessions help pupils build confidence, agency and ownership over their learning.

A Community United by Learning

Our evidence‑informed approach is built on collaboration, curiosity and shared purpose. By empowering teachers, pupils and parents alike, Clifton College continues to strengthen its culture of learning - one that is reflective, research‑engaged and ambitious for every member of our community.