At Roade English Hub, we believe that when teachers thrive, pupils thrive. One of the most powerful ways schools can improve outcomes for children is by investing in high-quality professional development (CPD) for staff. And the research really backs this up.

What the research says

Fletcher-Wood and Succolo (2020) carried out a wide-ranging review of professional development and found that, when done well, it has a greater and more sustained impact on pupil learning than other popular strategies. Professional development builds teachers’ expertise and benefits every child in every classroom, year after year.

The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) also highlights this in its evidence summaries. The EEF stresses that effective CPD should be sustained over time, focused on subject and pedagogical knowledge, and linked to classroom practice. Their research shows that when professional development is designed in this way, it can accelerate pupil progress more effectively than many short-term interventions. In other words, it’s not just about “doing more”, it’s about doing better.

And this message isn’t new. The landmark review by Timperley et al. (2007) found that professional development makes the most difference when it:
• Deepens teachers’ subject and pedagogical knowledge
• Is closely connected to the curriculum and students’ needs
• Includes active engagement and opportunities to apply learning
• Provides time and sustained support rather than one-off workshops

In other words, quick fixes don’t work. What matters is professional learning that is coherent, ongoing, and centred on improving outcomes for pupils.

The DfE’s Reading Framework (2021) echoes this. It emphasises that teaching children to read requires precise subject knowledge and consistent approaches across a school. Teachers need training and ongoing support to deliver high-quality phonics, develop fluency, and foster a love of reading. Without this professional development, even the best resources and schemes can fall flat. With it, every child can become a confident reader who is ready to access the full curriculum.

What we offer at Roade English Hub

We’re here to make professional development accessible, practical, and free. All schools can book places on our training through our website.

Here’s what you can access:
• One-off sessions on key aspects of reading, writing, language development and phonics
• Ongoing, DfE-accredited multi-session courses that allow for deeper learning and sustained impact
• Research-based, practical strategies you can take straight into the classroom

Whether you’re looking for a quick burst of inspiration or a longer journey of professional growth, there’s something for everyone.

Why it matters

Professional development isn’t just about ticking a box, it’s about building a culture of continuous learning in schools. When teachers feel confident and supported, children benefit in ways that last a lifetime. And the evidence couldn’t be clearer: investing in teachers is one of the smartest investments a school can make.

So if you haven’t yet explored our training opportunities, now’s the time. Together, we can make sure every child becomes a reader for life.

Visit our website today to book your free professional development.