Pupil Book Study: An evidence-informed guide to help quality assure the curriculum

Pupil Book Study is a window into the ‘lived experience’ of pupils, as opposed to just the observed experience. It is also a mirror in which to reflect professional practice and identify what helps learning, and what hinders it by outlining clear and coherent structures in which to talk with pupils and look at their books.
Pupil Book Study gives headteachers, senior and middle leaders a systematic toolkit to evaluate the impact of the curriculum through studying teaching and learning. Infused with cognitive science research and evidence-informed practice, it offers schools the architecture for excellence; helping remove the risk of making assumptions.
Pupil Book Study is a guide for schools that offers 7 specific and fully exemplified areas to focus quality assurance systems. The keystone between teaching, learning and the curriculum, Pupil Book Study offers schools the tools to explain why things are as they are and presents solutions to the areas that limit or hinder progress.
Schools report that Pupil Book Study has been some of the most powerful and impactful work they have ever undertaken, resulting in positive change. In November 2020, Pupil Book Study was shared with the Deputy Director, Senior HMI and Policy makers at Ofsted.

With more than 29 years of experience in education as a teacher, headteacher and leading adviser for school improvement, Alex Bedford now supports Unity Schools Partnership and its Research School, working across the UK and abroad. Alex is the creator and author of the highly acclaimed Pupil Book Study series (originally published in 2021) and has worked as an associate consultant for the Institute of Education, UCL. His curriculum writing and resources have been highly praised by Professor Rob Coe and by Clare Sealy (head of education improvement, Guernsey).

You may be surprised to learn that Alex did not engage well at school and spent most of his secondary schooling in the 'remedial stream'. His parents were even told not to 'waste' tutoring money on him. Alex's career took an interesting journey through the Youth Training Scheme in an entomology lab and several years of employment in food technology labs, where he worked on the viscosity of jam in Jammie Dodgers and recipes for Marks & Spencer. Further education led Alex to eventually train as a primary school teacher. He has never looked back. His rule for school is simple: teach with excellence and never write anyone off. According to all the SEND experts Alex has worked with, he channels his ADHD superpower to his advantage, so he can be the most positive and productive person he can.

Husband to Becky (a phenomenal Reception teacher) and proud father of Jack and Finn, Alex is called to adventure and is regularly drawn to the sea and mountains.