Available to Advance HE Members only. Cohort 3 applications are now open and will close on 4 February 2026.
The Educational Excellence Change Academy is a structured six-month programme designed to help institutional teams lead systemic educational transformation. This programme is available at no cost to all Advance HE member institutions.
Through a blend of launch and thematic workshops, challenge labs, reflective practice and a final showcase event, teams will explore:
- Redesigning curriculum to align with workforce needs and address inequities
- Reimagining pedagogy to be inclusive, digital, and engaging
- Enhancing student support models to strengthen belonging, wellbeing, and retention
Delivered virtually across three global cohorts, the Academy provides access to curated tools, resources, and Advance HE’s Student Success Frameworks, alongside opportunities for cross-sector collaboration.
By the end of the programme, teams will have piloted or implemented change initiatives, built leadership capability, and shared outcomes at a summative event. Institutions can also choose to access tailored consultancy support to extend the impact of their participation.
Cohort 3 has been scheduled at times that suit participants from South East Asia and Australasia, and applications are now open.
Are you interested in joining?
Applications for the Educational Transformation - Change Academy cohort 3 is now open.
You can use the link below to register your interest and stay informed about project outputs.
Why Your Institution Needs This Now
Financial Pressure
Rising costs and changing funding models demand institutions diversify income streams and improve efficiency
Student Success Imperative
Clearer requirements to improve retention rates and student outcomes for financial sustainability and reputation
Evolving Student Needs
Post-pandemic education requires new models combining traditional practices with rapid technology adoption
AI Revolution
New technologies are challenging and require rapid adaptation.
Competition Intensity
Greater focus on league tables, rankings, and reputation in an increasingly competitive landscape.
About the Programme
Transform Your Institution
- Curriculum Redesign - Align programmes with workforce needs while addressing equity gaps and improving graduate outcomes
- Inclusive Pedagogy - Reimagine teaching approaches to be digitally enhanced, engaging, and accessible to diverse learners
- Student Support Enhancement - Develop comprehensive support models that drive belonging, wellbeing, and retention
- Leadership Development - Strengthen capability and relational resilience to lead sustainable institutional change
- Cross-Institutional Learning - Collaborate with peers facing identical challenges across multiple institutions and contexts
- Measurable Outcomes - Implement changes that deliver clear ROI through improved metrics and enhanced reputation
About the Programme
Programme delivery November 2025 - July 2026
6 Months Duration
Structured programme with measurable milestones
3 Global Cohorts
Timed for Eastern and Western hemispheres
4 Team Members per Institutions
Cross-functional teams, ideally from academic and professional services roles
6 Virtual Sessions
Workshops, labs, and collaborative exchanges
Ready to lead change?
Join senior academic leaders from across the sector in this transformative academy. Build the capability to drive sustainable change while collaborating with peers who understand your challenges.
Applications are now open for cohorts 3 and will be assessed against the following criteria
- Clarity and significance of project focus: Is it a meaningful, systemic change initiative?
- Team composition: Is the team cross-disciplinary, with the potential for diverse perspectives?
- Strategic alignment: How does the project advance the relevant aspect of institutional strategy.
- Commitment and sponsorship: Is there clear evidence of senior leadership buy-in and practical support for the team?
- Potential impact and scalability: Will the project outcomes have relevance for wider institutional or sector learning?
To apply, simply complete the application form using the link below. Applications close on 4 February 2026.
Leaders in Teaching and Learning are under constant pressure to improve student outcomes while balancing financial and strategic demands. The Change Academy provides a structured pathway to lead systemic educational transformation that sticks, focussing on three core strands; curriculum, pedagogy, and student support. This isn’t just professional development, it’s a strategic investment in institutional resilience, equity, and long-term institutional standing"Stuart Norton, Head of Education Excellence, Advance HE
Key Programme Elements
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3 Cohorts
Starting from 25 November 2025.
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Launch Workshop
Introduction, relationship building, and thematic overview.
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Challenge Labs
Associate-led sessions with structured feedback in small groups
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Summative Showcase
Virtual celebration and presentation of outcomes for all cohorts 9 July 2026.
Cohort 1 - Applications closed
Launch: 25 November 2025
Thematic Workshop 1: 4 December 2025
Change Lab 1: 10 December 2025
Thematic Workshop 2: 20 January 2026
Challenge Lab 2: 21 January 2026
Thematic Workshop 3: 4 March 2026
Challenge Lab 3: 6 March 2026
Reflective Session: 20 May 2026
Thematic Workshop 1: 4 December 2025
Change Lab 1: 10 December 2025
Thematic Workshop 2: 20 January 2026
Challenge Lab 2: 21 January 2026
Thematic Workshop 3: 4 March 2026
Challenge Lab 3: 6 March 2026
Reflective Session: 20 May 2026
Cohort 2 - Applications closed
Launch: 14 January 2026
Thematic Workshop 1: 20 January 2026
Change Lab 1: 22 January 2026
Thematic Workshop 2: 18 March 2026
Challenge Lab 2: 19 March 2026
Thematic Workshop 3: 30 April 2026
Challenge Lab 3: 7 May 2026
Reflective Session: 11 June 2026
Thematic Workshop 1: 20 January 2026
Change Lab 1: 22 January 2026
Thematic Workshop 2: 18 March 2026
Challenge Lab 2: 19 March 2026
Thematic Workshop 3: 30 April 2026
Challenge Lab 3: 7 May 2026
Reflective Session: 11 June 2026
Cohort 3 - Applications now open
Launch: 24 February 12:00-13:30 AEDT (UTC+11)
Thematic Input 1: 11 March 13:00-14:30 AEDT (UTC+11)
Change Lab 1: 12 March 12:00-13:30 AEDT (UTC+11)
Thematic Input 2: 21 April 15:00-16:30 AEST (UTC+10)
Challenge Lab 2: 22 April 15:30-17:00 AEST (UTC+10)
Thematic Input 3: 27 May 15:30-17:00 AEST
Challenge Lab 3: 28 May 15:00-16:30 AEST (UTC+10)
Reflective Session: 25 June 15:30-17:00 AEST (UTC+10)
Summative Event: 9 July
Thematic Input 1: 11 March 13:00-14:30 AEDT (UTC+11)
Change Lab 1: 12 March 12:00-13:30 AEDT (UTC+11)
Thematic Input 2: 21 April 15:00-16:30 AEST (UTC+10)
Challenge Lab 2: 22 April 15:30-17:00 AEST (UTC+10)
Thematic Input 3: 27 May 15:30-17:00 AEST
Challenge Lab 3: 28 May 15:00-16:30 AEST (UTC+10)
Reflective Session: 25 June 15:30-17:00 AEST (UTC+10)
Summative Event: 9 July
Lead Associate
Professor Roger Dalrymple
Professor of Education and Head of the DMU Education Academy
,
De Montfort University
Speakers
Professor Deborah Johnston
Professor of Development Economics and is Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Framework)
,
London South Bank University
Allie Scott
Co-chair of the MWBHE Expert Group, Chair-elect of HUCS (Heads of University Counselling Services) and Mental Health and Counselling Manager
,
University of the Highlands and Islands
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