Our Story
PiXL was born out of the DfE’s ‘The London Challenge’, a school improvement programme set up by the government in 2003. When the DfE funding for the initiative ceased in 2007 the 50 member schools at that time decided voluntarily, due to the massive positive impact of the initiative, to continue with its model of collaboration around leadership and shared support. Founded by the late Sir John Rowling, PiXL was born. Since then we have grown to be the largest network of its type, working in Northern Ireland, England, Wales and Overseas, as well as working across sectors from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 5.
PiXL (which stands for Partners in Excellence, but is commonly referred to as PiXL) is known for its aim of wanting to improve life chances and outcomes for young people and its focus on equipping school leaders to make that happen. Whether it is a focus on reading, oracy, writing, numeracy, character education or establishing strong cultures, PiXL is committed to providing practical support and strategies to make an impact.
Although we operate across different sectors and different countries, the key PiXL principles are evident across all that we do. Our leadership approaches, language and aims are consistent.
We are intentional about:
- Improving life chances and outcomes for young people
- Influencing school leadership regionally and nationally
- Helping school leaders be the agents of change for the betterment of students
Sir John Rowling
The late Sir John Rowling founded PiXL out of ‘The London Challenge’. Having been awarded a knighthood for his services to education, his influence and vision made a significant impact – one that continues today.
Since those early days of 50 schools, PiXL’s influence and impact has grown extensively, expanding over the last 14 years to all key stages as well as to many different countries in the UK and across the world.
The PiXL International charity also came out of PiXL’s early work and is now a separate charity working in five countries (Tanzania, Brazil, Ghana, South Africa and Uganda), helping to equip leaders in 1,400 international schools. Sir John’s original vision of helping to provide a ‘better future and brighter hope’ for young people is still at the heart of all PiXL does.
What people say
In a world of uncertainty, PiXL continues to show its true worth to schools across the nation. The integrity and humility with which the organisation works are quite unique in the world of education support and their drive to focus on the best for our young people is indubitable. Constantly offering support in key areas where the need is greatest, PiXL continues to be the greatest source of support imaginable.
Headteacher, PiXL Secondary school
PiXL provides a reassuring touchstone, and never more has that been so important to school leaders. PiXL is populated with like-minded and motivated colleagues who give due thought and consideration about how to best approach the myriad of decisions school leaders take every day. I’ve worked with PiXL for 8 years now and every meeting leaves me inspired to try new ideas, reassured about things my school is doing well and resolved to continually do better for the young people in my school.
Headteacher, PiXL Secondary school
I can honestly say this has been one of the instrumental factors in our success story. The ideas, resources and expertise, which has been so willingly shared by the whole PiXL team, has enabled our Sixth Form to continually change and radically improve. Every single meeting has been packed with fresh ideas and practical tips to help students thrive, both academically and also as a well-rounded individual.
Headteacher, PiXL Post 16 school
Post-16 support and resources are top quality — the adaptability of resources makes tailoring them to your students straightforward. The PiXL team are always open to suggestions and strive to ensure hard-working and innovative staff have a support base. They inspire teachers of all levels of experience.
Senior Leader, PiXL Post 16 school
PiXL is more than just a network of schools; it is a welcoming organisation, with highly experienced people, offering unparalleled professional support and CPD. PiXL will continue to improve the education system and culture of the schools, Sixth Forms and colleges who introduce and embed their strategies, as it has already.
Senior Leader, PiXL Post 16 school
As a member, PiXL provides our school with a wealth of professional development opportunities and high-quality resources for all areas of the core curriculum. Their approach of diagnosis, therapy, testing and revisiting enables us to easily identify children’s next steps on a one-to-one, small group and whole-class basis and then tailor our interventions and whole-class teaching to fill their gaps.
Executive Headteacher, PiXL Primary school
I trust my leaders with PiXL: PiXL leadership moves with the times and develops all tiers of leaders, ranging from my new middle leaders to my most experienced Heads of School. It has inspired them to question and challenge themselves, whilst holding their hand and supporting their next steps.
Headteacher, PiXL Post 16 school