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Charley O'Regan

@charleyo.bsky.social
1.3K followers 455 following 192 posts

Senior Schools Engagement Manager at the Sutton Trust. Former school leader. NPQH. MEd Educational Leadership. Passionate about improving education for all our children.

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Reposted by Charley O'Regan
Adam Boxer @adamboxereducation.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
Do the "best" schools take their fair share of disadvantaged schools, or is at least a part of their success due to stealth selection? Fascinating conversation with @charleyo.bsky.social from @suttontrust.bsky.social - please share if you can! open.spotify.com/episode/4rXm...
open.spotify.com
Do the "best" schools take their fair share of disadvantaged students? With Charley O'Regan
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Reposted by Charley O'Regan
The Sutton Trust @suttontrust.bsky.social · 02/05/2026
👀 Want to hear examples of how to create fairer school admissions policies? Listen to our new podcast series, where @charleyo.bsky.social, speaks to directly leaders who are working to make sure their schools are accessible to pupils from all backgrounds 🎙️
open.spotify.com
Fair School Admissions Podcast
Podcast · The Sutton Trust · The Fair School Admissions Podcast brings together school leaders who are taking action to make their schools more accessible and inclusive through fairer admissions…
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Reposted by Charley O'Regan
The Sutton Trust @suttontrust.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
💡 Powerful and important discussions on the SEND system took place yesterday at our panel event on the government's proposed reforms. The event marked the launch of our research analysing the relationship between disadvantage and SEND in school admissions 🧵
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Charley O'Regan @charleyo.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
A fascinating discussion this morning. I especially enjoyed the debate between where accountability should sit and how we change the narrative of 'different'.
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Charley O'Regan @charleyo.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
Ultimately you can’t be inclusive within a curated community. Inclusion. Starts. With. Admissions. (9/9)
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Charley O'Regan @charleyo.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
5️⃣The government are right to say that we should especially look at Fair Banding. I have seen schools use this well and others not to so well. Again there is a balance here between giving schools flexibility in how they apply it and ensuring they are using it for the right reasons. (8/9)
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Charley O'Regan @charleyo.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
4️⃣If we are looking for bold change there is much to be said about asking all schools to prioritise places for children eligible for the Pupil Premium. Details to be discussed… there are lots of ways to do this! (7/9)
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Charley O'Regan @charleyo.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
This should undoubtedly involve some sort of consideration for how we hold schools to account, which still disincentivise schools from being as inclusive as possible. (6/9)
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Charley O'Regan @charleyo.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
3️⃣Therefore, updating the SAC alone won’t be enough. It needs to be part of a wider cultural shift where admissions moves from being seeing through the lens of compliance to one of moral purpose and as demonstrable evidence of the inclusive nature of schools. (5/9)
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Charley O'Regan @charleyo.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
2️⃣However, this is also its downfall. Schools can implement policies that exacerbate social segregation often due to lack of aware of the issue or of their options to mitigate it. (4/9)
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Charley O'Regan @charleyo.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
1️⃣ IMO, the current SAC is in pretty good shape. It gives schools lots of options to write an admissions policy that works for them and their community. (3/9)
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Charley O'Regan @charleyo.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
I am looking forward to getting stuck into the detail of the School Admissions Code and the consultation in due course, but some early thoughts from me. (2/9)
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Charley O'Regan @charleyo.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
It hasn’t been talked about too much yet today but the education white paper also had some pretty interesting stuff in about school admissions and seeing the work I am involved with at The Sutton Trust referenced specially has been a career highlight! @suttontrust.bsky.social (1/9)
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Reposted by Charley O'Regan
Rebecca Montacute @beckymontacute.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
A huge thank you to @danfrancis02.bsky.social, @charleyo.bsky.social, @anyasizer.bsky.social and @danihpayne.bsky.social for a thoughtful and wide ranging discussion at today's @smfthinktank.bsky.social panel event on SEND reform.
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Charley O'Regan @charleyo.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
Thanks for having us all! Great session.
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Reposted by Charley O'Regan
Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
🚨 EVENT TOMORROW🚨 On Wednesday, our panel will discuss how to fix our broken SEND system: @beckymontacute.bsky.social @alistrathern.bsky.social @charleyo.bsky.social @anyasizer.bsky.social @danihpayne.bsky.social See more here: buff.ly/DWaWiQG
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Charley O'Regan @charleyo.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
Really looking forward to this event and chatting with the other panellists!
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Reposted by Charley O'Regan
The Sutton Trust @suttontrust.bsky.social · 18/10/2025
🗣️ "They're facing the disadvantage of their low-income and the potential challenges that brings, as well as having to navigate that SEND system." @charleyo.bsky.social touches on the double disadvantage facing low-income pupils with SEND on BBC Woman's Hour 📻
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Charley O'Regan @charleyo.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
This has been one of those reports that makes you feel worse and worse as you uncover the layers of a system that just isn't working. Change is desperately needed so that all children can thrive in education without having to rely on parents spending money they may not even have to get support.
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Reposted by Charley O'Regan
The Sutton Trust @suttontrust.bsky.social · 30/09/2025
This morning at Labour Party Conference, our panel is looking at the attainment gap and asking why disadvantaged pupils are behind their peers. Chaired by @nickharrison73.bsky.social, we are joined by @sarahsmithlab.bsky.social, @childrenscomm.bsky.social, and @danielkebedeneu.bsky.social
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Reposted by Charley O'Regan
The Sutton Trust @suttontrust.bsky.social · 29/09/2025
Today we are at the Labour Party Conference to explore findings from the Sutton Trust's latest report, Elitist Britain. We are joined by @lindseymacmillan.bsky.social, @peter4bracknell.bsky.social, @lewisgoodall.com, Lord David Evans, and our own @carlcullinane.bsky.social. ⬇️ Follow updates below
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Reposted by Charley O'Regan
The Sutton Trust @suttontrust.bsky.social · 11/09/2025
🆕 We recently polled almost 7,000 teachers with @teachertapp.bsky.social to better understand how the education sector sees the issue of school admissions. Our Senior Schools Engagement Manager, @charleyo.bsky.social, discusses what we learned 👇 www.suttontrust.com/news-opinion...
suttontrust.com
Five things we’ve learnt about School Admissions - The Sutton Trust
What does the education sector think about the issue of school admissions?
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Charley O'Regan @charleyo.bsky.social · 24/08/2025
🔜 Next time: Bringing the data together to identify themes. ❓What information or data have I missed? ❓(7/7) #SchoolLeadership #NewLeaders #EducationalLeadership #SchoolImprovement #MiddleLeaders
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Charley O'Regan @charleyo.bsky.social · 24/08/2025
3️⃣Data isn't perfect Every type of data has its pros and cons. The key is not to rely on any single piece of data in isolation and be deliberate: Think about what information you actually need. Consider different methods of gathering it. Reflect on how robust your conclusions will be. (6/7)
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Charley O'Regan @charleyo.bsky.social · 24/08/2025
2️⃣Data Sources You’ll likely be pulling information from: Exam and assessment data SEF and SIP documents Stakeholder voice and surveys (students, staff, parents) QA evidence (work scrutiny, lesson observations, reviews) Behaviour logs Financial data and budgets Ofsted reports Conversations (5/7)
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Charley O'Regan @charleyo.bsky.social · 24/08/2025
1️⃣ Data Types Not all data looks the same. Hard Data : numbers, facts, and figures. It shows you the outcome. Soft Data : - qualitative information about people or situations. It offers insight into the cause of an outcome. You’ll need a mix of both to get a clear picture. (4/7)
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Charley O'Regan @charleyo.bsky.social · 24/08/2025
The challenge? There’s a lot of information out there, and it can feel overwhelming to know where to start. 📚 Lets start with a list - that always helps! My New Leader Checklist (linked below) should help you get going. But here are a few key things to keep in mind as you gather information: (3/7)
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Charley O'Regan @charleyo.bsky.social · 24/08/2025
Day 1 - The first thing you need to do as a new leader is get your hands on some information. Part of this is so you know how your new school functions. It's also the first step in being strategic. You can’t make decisions about moving forward until you understand your context. (2/7)
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Charley O'Regan @charleyo.bsky.social · 24/08/2025
💫 The First 100 Days as a School Middle Leader💫 I love supporting and coaching new leaders. As we approach September, I hope to do a weekly post to support you in your first 100 days as a new leader. If this isn’t you, perhaps there will be still be something interesting along the way! (1/7)
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Charley O'Regan @charleyo.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
"you’re a parent; you’re someone who likes to wear makeup but doesn’t have time; you’re a control enthusiast; you’re time-poor in the mornings; and you’d like fresh dinners, but don’t have time to cook them" Yes to all, especially makeup! I dream of having the energy for makeup!
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Charley O'Regan @charleyo.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
Great blog! @claireharley.bsky.social is so relatable and brings the 'Instagram Sunday Reset' into something we can all achieve ❤️‍🔥
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Charley O'Regan @charleyo.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
I know GCSEs aren’t the only KS4 story, but this is where my expertise lies. Hopefully there is something for everyone analysing results this summer. 💫 What are your top tips for managing results day without the overwhelm? 💫 (8/8) #GCSEs #GCSE2025 #EduSky #MiddleLeaders #GCSEResultsDay
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Charley O'Regan @charleyo.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
1️⃣ You don’t have to do it all yourself! Delegation if your friend. 2️⃣ Only do the steps that fit your context. 3️⃣ You don’t need to do it all at once! Prioritise! 4️⃣ Focus on impact - progress over perfection. Even one useful action is better than none. (7/8)
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Charley O'Regan @charleyo.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
In the weeks that follow Exam results are a bridge between two work streams : what worked well last year, and what needs to change this year. My Results Reflection Framework helps turn data into action, but remember: (6/8)
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Charley O'Regan @charleyo.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
During the day 1️⃣ Communicate with your team. Celebrate the successes and thank them for all their hard work. 2️⃣ Make sure you have all the data you need for later analysis. 3️⃣ Peruse the national press and social media for relevant trends. (5/8)
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Charley O'Regan @charleyo.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
On the morning 1️⃣ Grab some quick headlines. This will put your mind at ease. 2️⃣ Celebrate the pupils. They deserve your time, attention and praise - it’s their day. 3️⃣ Start thinking of remarks. Speak to the pupils whilst they are in the building. (4/8)
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Charley O'Regan @charleyo.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
Beforehand 1️⃣ Set your success criteria. Have your targets to hand. 2️⃣ Plan for Post-16 progression decisions. These conversations immediately and you’ll think more clearly away from the emotions of the day. 3️⃣ Write your to-do list for the day so you can enjoy the day without forget anything (3/8)
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Charley O'Regan @charleyo.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
...it completely changed the experience. I felt calmer, more in control, and enjoyed supporting my pupils and team much more. If you’re a middle leader feeling the pressure this week (and whether you are looking at results now or the first day of term) here’s my plan for GCSE Results Day 👇 (2/8)
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Charley O'Regan @charleyo.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
💫 GCSE Results Day was the most nerve-wracking day of my first year as Head of Science.💫 I was so worked up that I opened the spreadsheet without a clear plan and couldn’t figure out whether I should be celebrating or worrying. In later years, I went in with a clear plan of action and... (1/8)
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Charley O'Regan @charleyo.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
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Charley O'Regan @charleyo.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
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Charley O'Regan @charleyo.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
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Charley O'Regan @charleyo.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
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Charley O'Regan @charleyo.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
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Charley O'Regan @charleyo.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
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Charley O'Regan @charleyo.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
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Charley O'Regan @charleyo.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
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Charley O'Regan @charleyo.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
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Charley O'Regan @charleyo.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
We can become more resilient. Its not a fixed component. The Roberston-Cooper model is great place to start thinking about this. (1/10)
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The Sutton Trust @suttontrust.bsky.social · 14/08/2025
📢 #ResultsDay2025 for Level 3 qualifications (A Level and equivalent) is here! Students receiving their results today have endured significant disruption to their education since Year 8. Here’s our analysis of what we know about the results so far ⤵️🧵
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