Leigh Academy Cherry Orchard and Leigh Academy Rainham have been designated as Attendance and Behaviour Hubs as part of the Department for Education’s RISE Attendance and Behaviour Hubs programme.

The designation recognises the sustained work of both academies in improving attendance, strengthening behaviour culture and supporting pupils to remain engaged in learning. LAT is one of the few multi-academy trusts nationally selected to host two hubs.

As Attendance and Behaviour Hubs, Leigh Academy Cherry Orchard and Leigh Academy Rainham will support up to 120 academies and schools across their regions. This will include sharing effective practice, hosting professional learning activity and providing peer support focused on attendance systems, behaviour culture and leadership practice.

The RISE programme is a national, school-led initiative designed to improve attendance and behaviour through structured collaboration. Hub academies act as system leaders, supporting other settings to strengthen leadership practice and build sustainable approaches to attendance and behaviour.

Simon Beamish, Chief Executive of Leigh Academies Trust, said:

“This recognition reflects the quality of leadership and practice at both academies. Attendance and behaviour sit at the centre of inclusion and achievement, and we are pleased that Leigh Academy Cherry Orchard and Leigh Academy Rainham will support other schools through this national programme.”

The work of both Attendance and Behaviour Hubs will be supported by The Leigh Institute, which already provides a comprehensive professional development offering for schools across the region. The Leigh Institute will support Leigh Academy Cherry Orchard and Leigh Academy Rainham to deliver their hub activity by providing training, facilitation, leadership support and access to established regional networks.

Esther Cook, Director of the Leigh Institute, said:

“This designation allows us to align attendance and behaviour improvement with the wider system leadership and workforce development we already lead. Through the Leigh Institute, schools can access joined-up support that connects leadership development, teacher training and specialist networks, helping schools turn strong evidence-informed practice into consistent, long-term impact.”

Both academies will work closely with the Department for Education and partner schools over the coming period to drive regional improvement activity.