Cumbria education leader appointed to national attendance and behaviour role

Cumbria Education Trust is proud to share that Des Bird, Director of Secondary Improvement, has been appointed as a Regional Advisor for the Department for Education’s Attendance and Behaviour Hubs Programme.

Des is one of only nine Regional Advisors appointed nationally as part of the government’s RISE (Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence) initiative. In this role, he will support schools across the North West to strengthen practice around attendance and behaviour through collaboration, shared expertise and peer support.

As part of the same programme, Workington Academy has also been designated as a lead hub school, recognising its strong and sustained approach to supporting pupils to attend school regularly, feel safe and thrive.

The Attendance and Behaviour Hubs Programme brings together schools with proven expertise to work alongside others, sharing practical approaches that reflect local context and need. Both appointments highlight the strength of practice within Cumbria Education Trust and the Trust’s commitment to contributing positively to system wide improvement.

Des Bird:

“Behaviour and attendance are the foundation of school improvement. When pupils feel safe, supported and present in school, learning can flourish. I’m proud to be able to share the work happening across our Trust and to support schools across the region through this programme.”

Cumbria Education Trust operates 17 schools across the county, including five secondary schools, and works closely with schools, local authorities and partners to support improvement through collaboration and shared learning.