The Linden Academy Launches the Advantage Schools Primary Playbook

At The Linden Academy, a Good-rated Luton primary school, we are always looking for ways to strengthen teaching and learning. This term, we proudly introduced the Advantage Schools Primary Playbook - a clear, consistent framework designed to support high-quality teaching across our classrooms.

Following comprehensive training from our dedicated Playbook Champions, every teacher at our Ofsted-rated 'Good' primary school is now using the Playbook to plan and deliver lessons with greater precision, consistency, and impact.

The Playbook provides a simple five-step structure that helps ensure every lesson is well-paced and engaging:
The Best Possible Start, Presenting New Material, Guided Practice and Modelling, Deliberate Practice, and The Best Possible End.

These shared routines are already making a difference. Lessons are calmer, pupils are more focused, and learning time is maximised. As Miss Kenny shared, “The Playbook has created a calm and relaxed atmosphere in every classroom, with all children showing improved focus and engagement.”

Alongside the Playbook, we’ve also introduced SHINE, a strategy that helps pupils show they’re ready to learn:
"Sit up straight, Hands empty, In our own space, No noise, Eyes on the speaker."

This simple approach reinforces our school values of respect and readiness, helping to create a positive and purposeful learning environment.

Another key part of the Playbook is building independence. Pupils are encouraged to take ownership of their learning, practising skills independently and developing confidence through well-structured lessons. Teachers are already seeing the benefits of this approach, with children showing greater self-belief and motivation.

We’re proud of how well our pupils and staff have embraced this new way of working. The Playbook is helping us continue to deliver on our mission: providing a high-quality education for every child in our Luton primary school, where learning is calm, consistent, and inspiring.

Written by the Teaching and Learning Team at The Linden Academy