Responding to the government's announcement that the scope of RISE school regional improvement teams will be expanded to teach more than 200 schools, Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“The government’s ambition to move away from heavy handed intervention and towards a more supportive approach to school improvement is certainly welcome.

"The RISE teams have the potential to be a part of this new approach. It will be crucial that these advisors have the expertise and experience to support the schools they are working with and that they build positive relationships with schools.”