About ACR Education
Our Values
ACR Education is an education consultancy focused on strengthening the people side of school and college improvement. We work with schools, colleges, trusts and education partnerships to develop professional cultures where staff feel confident in their practice, connected to their colleagues and supported to grow.
Our work is grounded in three core principles: autonomy, competence and relationships. These are the conditions that help teachers and education staff build confidence, sustain motivation and develop a strong sense of professional identity. When these conditions are present, staff are more likely to grow, contribute and remain in the profession.
Founded by Dr Kate Sida-Nicholls, ACR Education draws on over 25 years’ experience in teaching, teacher education, professional learning and senior leadership across schools, further education and initial teacher education. Kate’s doctoral research explored the conditions that help teachers feel capable, connected and able to stay.
Through strategic review, leadership development and professional learning design, ACR Education helps organisations understand what is supporting or limiting staff confidence, professional growth and retention. The aim is to support practical, evidence-informed improvement that strengthens both staff experience and student outcomes.
What we offer
Our work focuses on the professional conditions that enable staff to thrive, remain in the profession and deliver high-quality education over time.
Teacher Retention and Professional Culture
A focused review of the professional conditions shaping staff confidence, belonging and retention. This may include staff voice, leadership conversations, review of existing professional learning structures and a short report with recommendations.
Staff Confidence, Inclusion and Professional Growth
This work focuses on professional learning, coaching, mentoring, staff voice and collaborative reflection that are rooted in the real context of the organisation. The aim is to move beyond one-off CPD towards sustained professional growth that strengthens confidence, belonging and retention.
Supporting Teachers Through Key Career Transitions
Teachers need different kinds of support as they move through key stages of their career, from training and early career teaching to new roles, leadership responsibilities or returning after time away. The aim is to help teachers navigate change without losing their sense of identity, purpose or professional agency.
Professional Learning Design and Review
This work is to design professional learning that is sustained, relevant and connected to improvement priorities. This may include reviewing existing CPD, strengthening coaching and mentoring, developing communities of practice, or creating professional learning models that staff can meaningfully engage with. The aim is to move professional development beyond isolated sessions towards learning that changes practice, builds confidence and supports retention.