As we come to the close of 2025, our Executive Chair, Les Walton CBE, reflects on a year of purposeful growth, strengthened partnerships, and a shared commitment to raising the quality of education advice.
This year has marked another significant step forward for the Association of Education Advisers. Engagement with the International Quality Standard for Education Advisers continues to grow, with more than 600 education professionals now having engaged with the framework and over 450 accredited. Alongside this, the expanding body of research-informed case studies now spans every phase of education and a wide range of contexts, creating one of the most substantial knowledge bases available to support school improvement practice.
Central to this progress is the professionalism and integrity of AoEA members. Each individual accreditation journey reflects a deep commitment to reflective practice, ethical standards, and meaningful service to schools and learners. These values remain at the heart of the Association’s work and continue to guide its direction.
The contribution of AoEA officers and Senior Associates has been instrumental throughout the year. Their combination of experience, creativity, and forward-looking thinking has strengthened programmes, partnerships, and AoEA’s national profile. At the same time, the reconstruction of the Board has brought fresh perspectives and renewed strategic ambition, strengthening governance and positioning the organisation well for its next phase of development.
2025 has also seen important progress in partnerships and relationships. Engagement with the Department for Education in England, alongside continued collaboration with the North East Combined Authority, has reinforced alignment around principled approaches to school improvement. Across the devolved nations, relationships with the Education Authority in Northern Ireland, the Association of Directors of Education Scotland, and the Welsh Government have continued to deepen, reflecting a shared belief in coherent professional standards and collaborative improvement.
Internationally, interest in the AoEA and the International Quality Standard has continued to grow. Developing work with partners in the United States and the Middle East highlights the global relevance of ethical, evidence-informed advisory practice and reinforces the value of a consistent professional standard.
Alongside these developments, the AoEA professional community has continued to flourish. The introduction of Membership Plus, the growth of the AoEA Hub, and an expanding range of professional learning opportunities including Independent Learning Modules, EduKits, CPD programmes, and the Role of the Adviser book series have created a vibrant and supportive space for ongoing professional learning. The Annual Summit in Manchester provided a particular highlight, bringing colleagues together to share insight, challenge, and impact.
Throughout the year, the International Quality Standard for Education Advisers has remained the anchor for all AoEA activity. It continues to provide clarity, consistency, and an ethical foundation at a time when education systems require sustainable, locally built improvement supported by credible professional standards.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Association is encouraged by emerging partnerships, growing accreditation, and opportunities to further strengthen the member offer. Above all, AoEA remains defined by a strong sense of shared purpose and professional generosity.
We invite you to watch the end of year message below and thank all members, partners, and colleagues for their trust, commitment, and contribution throughout 2025.