edt and Stichting leerKRACHT launch strategic partnership to advance collaborative school improvement in the Netherlands

Stichting LeerKRACHT is a Dutch not-for-profit organisation committed to improving education through teacher empowerment, collaboration and continuous professional development. Its mission aligns closely with national education priorities in the Netherlands – as well as our own deep commitment to sustainable school improvement – including the development of teacher leadership, teamwork, and continuous improvement. 

This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the advancement of peer review and school-to-school collaboration in the Netherlands. Building on the success of our Schools Partnership Programme (SPP) –the UK’s largest collaborative school improvement initiative – and insights from an international knowledge exchange with University College London (UCL) and “la Caixa” Foundation,  we will support Stichting leerKRACHT in developing a tailored, evidence-informed peer review model to strengthen Professional Learning Networks (PLNs) across Dutch schools.  

A phased approach to capacity building 

The collaboration will be delivered through a structured three-phase approach, to not only ensure a mutual exchange of expertise, but also to support a long-term goal of enabling Stichting leerKRACHT to lead and evolve the programme independently. Its three phases are:

1. training – equipping the LeerKRACHT team with the knowledge and tools to implement peer review effectively
2. consultancy – providing expert guidance to adapt the SPP framework to the Dutch context
3. operational development – supporting the creation of a sustainable, autonomous peer review model embedded within national school improvement strategies. 

Looking ahead 

This partnership represents a significant step forward in the development of collaborative education systems. By combining edt’s expertise with Stichting leerKRACHT’s deep local knowledge and networks, the initiative aims to create a scalable, impactful model for peer review and professional learning in the Netherlands. We look forward to its progress.  

About the Schools Partnership Programme (SPP) 

Developed and refined over a decade, SPP provides an enquiry-based framework that empowers schools to take ownership of their improvement journey. The programme supports self and peer evaluation, coaching, improvement workshops, and the development of PLNs. Grounded in research on educational leadership, collaborative practice, and continuous professional development, SPP fosters lateral accountability and sustainable change. 

Evidence shows that strong, collaborative professional communities are key to improving student outcomes and addressing systemic challenges such as inclusion and deprivation. By integrating SPP’s proven methodologies, Stichting leerKRACHT will enhance its existing in-school collaboration network and extend its impact through robust school-to-school partnerships. 

Find out more about the Schools Partnership Programme. 

Find out more about Stichting LeerKRACHT.