NEPI (North East Primary Innovators

Who are we?

NEPI is  dynamic network of six primary schools - all based in the North East of England. 

The six schools are Cragside Primary School (lead school), The Sele First School, Hotspur Primary School, Greenhaugh Primary School, Shilbottle Primary School and Chillingham Road Primary School.

The newly established network aims to drive educational improvement and excellence by championing collaborative leadership and innovation in teaching and learning.

The network will work with key educational  innovators including Dominic Wyse, Mick Waters, Sean Harris, Rachel Higginson and Nia Richards.

How did we get here?

NEPI was formed as part of the Creativity Collaboratives Legacy Phase, September 2024 to July 2026.

The three-year Creativity Collaboratives pilot programme demonstrated the significant impact that Teaching for Creativity can have on both educators and children. Findings demonstrated that creativity supports increased engagement, confidence, and ownership in learning, alongside important positive changes in teaching practices. This phase will further explore and bring together the lessons learned with a strong focus on equity, diversity and inclusion, developing a bank of resources to support a sustainable approach to creative education.

What are our aims? 

The network aims to drive educational improvement and excellence by championing collaborative leadership and innovation in teaching and learning.

•Value and highlight primary professionalism and expertise

•Bring together and utilise the skills and knowledge across our network schools to form strong outcomes for children.

•Give space for time to reflect, discuss and challenge thinking and current practice & consider why we do things as we do.

•Ensure we continually reflect on and challenge what we are doing and why.

•Use latest research and work with key educational innovators to inform our work and meet demands on schools.

•Explore pedagogical approaches that make learning more meaningful for all children.

•Demonstrate commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.