School News

Morrison’s Academy welcomed around 150 educators from across Scotland to its Crieff campus on Saturday, 9 May 2026, for Perthshire’s first researchED conference – a landmark event bringing educational research into classroom practice.

The conference formed part of the international researchED movement and featured keynote speaker Prof Haili Hughes, alongside leading education figures including Dr Carl Hendrick, Bruce Robertson, Lucy Crehan, Robin Macpherson and Dr Alex Fairlamb. 

Across the day, teachers, researchers and school leaders took part in a wide range of workshops exploring themes such as effective teaching practice, curriculum design, cognitive science, inclusion and practical classroom strategies. Sessions focused on sharing evidence-informed approaches that can be applied directly in schools, while encouraging professional dialogue and reflection.

Attendees from across Scotland had opportunities to connect with colleagues, exchange ideas and discuss approaches to improving learning and teaching in the classroom.

Teachers and Teaching Assistants from Morrison’s Academy played an active role throughout the day, contributing to sessions and supporting the delivery of the programme. Their involvement reflected the school’s ongoing commitment to professional learning, collaboration and the use of research to inform high-quality teaching and learning.

Emma McCormick, Depute Rector at Morrison’s Academy, said: “We were delighted to host the first researchED in Perth & Kinross at Morrison’s Academy and to welcome colleagues from across the UK to our campus. It was a privilege to support the day and to see so many educators engaging with research, sharing ideas and contributing to professional dialogue.

“At Morrison’s Academy, we believe that great teaching begins with great learning. For many years we have been building a people-led approach to professional development in our school, one that places staff at the centre of their own learning. Our staff are supported through a robust CPD programme with a Teaching and Learning Toolkit at its heart, alongside Conference Days, Learning Walks, a Pioneer Teaching Group and a dedicated Teaching and Learning hub, all designed to support high-quality teaching and continuous improvement.”

Robin Macpherson, Head of College at Robert Gordon’s College, added: “It’s been great to see the growth of researchED across Scotland over the past 5 years and we have been keen to move the event around different local authorities. For Morrison’s Academy to host the first ever one in Perth and Kinross is a very positive step, and the team were superb to work with. 

“Our aim with researchED is to give everyone involved in education an opportunity to engage with evidence and inform their practice. It’s a unique event which combines newly qualified teachers with internationally renowned academics. It relies on schools who are passionate about professional learning and thought leadership, so we are very grateful to Morrison’s staff for hosting the event and making such a strong contribution to the programme.”

researchED Crieff event marks an important milestone in Morrison’s Academy’s commitment to professional learning and positions Crieff as a growing hub for research-informed educational practice in Scotland.