Over 750 schools unite to explore the interplay between digital and assessment

On 19 September 2025, LEO Academy Trust joined 75 high profile system leaders as part of the National PedTech Partnership at Pearson’s headquarters in central London to take a leading role in the national conversation about the future of digital and assessment.

Representing approximately 3% of the national school system through 756 schools, 250,000 students and 22,000 staff, the National PedTech Partnership represents state and independent funded schools ranging from nursery through to sixth form, mainstream and special schools, and alternative provision. 

This visionary alliance is leading a nationwide research and development programme, tackling contemporary issues connected to the use of digital technology in schools. The multi-year research programme touches upon challenging issues including curriculum and assessment; equity and dignity, and inclusion and innovation.

Cheryl Shirley represented LEO Academy Trust in deep and wide ranging discussions addressing: the future of digital and on-screen assessments, digital skills and readiness - for both staff and learners, national infrastructure and policy, ensuring equity, dignity and inclusion for all learners in a digitally supported assessment system, and vitally, implications for learners from nursery through to sixth form across both state and independent school systems in England. 

Insights from the work across the National PedTech Partnership are due to be shared in the coming months through a series of highly targeted working groups and research summaries. 

Co-founder of the National PedTech Partnership, Dr Fiona Aubrey-Smith said: 

“It is very unusual to have a large group of pioneering leaders representing such a diverse range of schools and learners in one room, focused so tightly on core and contemporary issues. The partnership’s inspirational school leaders really understand what needs to evolve in terms of policy, as well as how to actually make that happen impactfully and positively in schools and classrooms.”

Co-founder John Murphy, sought-after CEO advisor and mentor, reflected: 

“Our community are all systems leaders united by their passion to ensure that every child and young person across the education sector achieves or exceeds their potential.  At the heart of the National PedTech Partnership are commitments of professional generosity, collaboration and learning together. Exciting times are coming as this partnership grows from strength to strength.” 

Speaking about the work underway, exploring the interplay between digital and assessment,  Cheryl Shirley from LEO Acadmey, said: 

“We are really excited to be part of this fantastic group of leaders who really believe that technology can have an impact on teaching and learning.”. 

The National PedTech Partnership will be publishing its research findings and guidelines over the next two years, through a series of events and publications, alongside a book due for publication by Crown House in 2026.

The digital and assessment event was kindly supported by Pearson as one of the leading organisations providing gift-in-kind support to enable the National PedTech Partnership to run engaging face-to-face events.

Les Hopper, Product Director at Pearson, reflected on the importance of supporting the alliance as a strategic partner, sharing: “We were thrilled to host the National PedTech Partnership at Pearson’s headquarters. The event was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when schools, multi-academy trusts and the education community come together to share expertise, insights and – most importantly – ideas.

“Collaboration and open sharing are essential drivers of digital transformation in education, whether it’s discussing infrastructure, digital skills, or the latest advances in tech-enabled learning and assessment. By continuing to work together, I hope we can ensure that every school and college benefits from innovation that is inclusive, impactful, and built to last.”

You can follow the work of the National PedTech Partnership by following “The National PedTech Partnership” on LinkedIn.