Research & Case Studies

While cross-sector partnerships have existed for decades, and have been formally recognised since New Labour funding in 1997, there is little academic research into them.

Our Director of Programmes and Research, Dr Margaret Hunnaball, leads our research, with contributions from a wide range of S.P.A. members.

Research documents

NEW! Sports Partnerships

Our latest research (June 2026) explores how partnerships between state and independent schools can reduce inequalities in school sport. Drawing on S.P.A. case studies, it highlights how shared facilities, coaching and inclusive programmes can widen opportunities and improve outcomes for all pupils. A must read for anyone involved in sport in schools, sporting organisations and policy makers.

Impact Guide

This Impact Guide explores the work of existing school partnerships within the wider context of good partnering practice, to understand how they deliver extraordinary outcomes for young people.

Science Partnerships

This publication focusses on science collaborations. In keeping with S.P.A.’s vision, most of those featured are between state maintained schools and those in the independent sector. Some, though, feature working with partners outside the education sector.

DfE Evidence

Submitted to the DfE in July 2025 – this paper presents 34 best-case examples of how partnerships between state maintained and independent schools are helping to address major challenges facing the education sector.

2024 Conference Report

An overview and summary of our Conference in November 2024.

Innovation Hub 2

This report examines how schools and their partners can embed robust, meaningful evaluation into partnership work by combining clear aims, Theory of Change models, and reliable impact measurement.

Case studies

  • Case Study Able2b

    Able2B’s Discover Your Ability Day with Norwich School

    Norwich School partner with Able2B CIC and local special schools to run a yearly "Discover Your Ability' day - bringing together children and young adults from mainstream and SEN backgrounds. It aims to change perceptions of disability and empower young people to influence change.

  • Case Study Abingdon Prep (1)

    Abingdon Prep Science & Sports Partnerships

    Abingdon Prep School runs successful partnerships with local state primary schools across science and sports. There is a key focus on young children, learning how to collaborate and be part of a community, as well as establishing long term sustainable relationships

  • Kevi

    King Edward VI Foundation – an integrated partnership

    A partnership between MAT and Independent schools working strategically and operationally as one. They share expertise and resources in order to support a wide range of pupils within the city of Birmingham and are particularly committed to improving outcomes for disadvantaged pupils.

  • Case Study Bolton (2)

    The Bolton 19,000 model

    The Bolton Learning Partnership is an ambitious collaboration which consists of twenty-eight secondary schools and colleges working together, alongside Bolton Council to support educational improvement, teaching, learning, personal development and inclusion.

Get in touch

We are always keen to hear from schools, individuals and organisations who would like to find out more about our work. Find out who to contact here.

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