Affiliated Schools
The Affiliated Schools Program (ASP) is a collaborative partnership between the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ of Canberra and the ACT Government and a key initiative under the Territory’s Future of 
Education Strategy. The partnership is designed to enhance students’ learning outcomes and was developed using the Mutual Affiliation for Sustained Transformation (MAST) model .
An Evaluation Study of the ASP was undertaken and the resulting report was released in 2024.
An Evaluation of the Affiliated Schools Program (ASP)
Affiliated Schools partnership
The ASP, launched in 2019, is a unique partnership between 
UC and 25 schools across the ACT Education Directorate which demonstrates a shared commitment to high quality education in ACT schools. The model draws upon leading practice nationally and internationally and is contextualised to our unique ACT setting.
The partnership represents a genuinely collaborative approach to developing high-quality teacher practice from pre-service teacher education through to the professional growth of experienced teachers. It brings together the ACT Education Directorate leadership, school leaders, educators, and UC staff in a shared commitment to strengthening expertise and build capacity across the system. At the core is the mutual belief that together, we can create the best possible learning opportunities for our children.
Our pre-service teachers spend more of their learning time in schools, building their confidence and developing their classroom skills. Our ACT Affiliate Schools teachers have access to professional learning and research support that meets the needs of their schools and their students. Staff in partner schools have access to exciting postgraduate opportunities that enable them to pursue further studies tailored to meet the needs of our ACT community.
The ASP brings together elements that may have previously existed in isolation in other school–university partnerships, combining them to create a unique, holistic, and high-impact collaboration that is transforming the way schools and universities work together to improve learning and teaching.
The main elements
- School-based clinics
Pre-service teachers benefit from increased, hands-on learning time in schools, working closely alongside experienced educators and engaging directly with students. This innovative approach extends beyond traditional professional placements, providing richer, authentic experiences that broaden their skills and strengthen their abilities to engage and inspire students.
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ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ staff collaborate closely with schools to design and implement both small- and large-scale research projects tailored to the unique needs of schools and their students. This partnership ensures that research is relevant, actionable, and directly supports improvements in teaching, learning, and student outcomes.
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A strong commitment between the ACT Education Directorate and UC has led to jointly funded scholarships that empower ACT teachers and school leaders to earn a master’s qualification through an intensive, flexible program tailored specifically for busy professionals. This initiative removes barriers to advanced study, supporting career growth and enhancing leadership and teaching excellence across the ACT education system.
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- Professional Learning
UC staff work collaboratively with schools to deliver tailored professional learning opportunities that directly address the unique needs of schools and their students. This partnership ensures targeted support that enhances teacher effectiveness and fosters improved student outcomes.
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- Teacher as Researchers
Teaching teams collaborate with UC academics to review data and draw on their professional insights to identify a learning need across their cohort, faculty or school. This collaborative process empowers educators to undertake small-scale research within their own setting, fostering a culture of inquiry and continuous improvement. By investigating real-world challenges and implementing evidence-informed strategies, teachers enhance their practice in ways that directly support improved student outcomes.
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Interested parties can direct inquiries about this initiative to affiliatedschools@canberra.edu.au.
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