About us
Launched in 2011 by a group of headteachers, we’re a practitioner-led education charity with a national network of over 485 schools and over 130 trusts, who all believe the best way to reduce educational inequality is to combine wisdom
We partner with primary, secondary, special and alternative provision schools, all united by a commitment to collaboration and challenge to ensure great practice isn’t trapped in individual schools.
School leadership has a significant influence on pupil outcomes, and by supporting our trust and school leaders we currently reach over 400,000 students across the country.
And our approach works. Students in our partner schools achieve more and progress faster than the national average, and that is particularly evident for disadvantaged pupils. Sharing innovative practice quickly to schools across the country helps ensure the most effective support reaches more of the students in greatest need.
“Since 2011, Challenge Partners’ unique blend of supportive challenge, experiential leadership development, purposeful collaboration and knowledge sharing has inspired and informed innovation and continuous improvement in schools and trusts across England, upskilling thousands of leaders in the process. Well over a million children have benefitted as a result”
Dr Kate Chhatwal OBE, CEO, Challenge Partners
Join us for 2026/27
Secure your place for a year of collaboration and impact. Have a look at our new brochure and get in touch with us at partnershipsteam@challengepartners.org to discuss your options