Our Story

Since 1963, NATE (the National Association for the Teaching of English) has been at the heart of shaping innovative and student-centred approaches to English teaching. As an educational charity, NATE is supported by a passionate team of volunteers and English specialists, all guided by a dedicated Director and Board of Trustees.

For over 50 years, we’ve championed a progressive, inclusive vision of English studies that puts students’ learning and development at the core. Today, NATE continues to inspire and empower English teachers with fresh ideas, reflective practices, and resources tailored to the modern classroom. We also provide an independent voice for the profession, sharing insights on policy, practice, and research.

NATE has a strong international presence through our research journal, English in Education, and close connections with IFTE (the International Federation for the Teaching of English). Locally, our highly successful Teach Meets offer high-quality CPD and an opportunity for teachers to connect, share, and learn from one another.

Nationally, we support teachers through our conferences and events, newsletters, publications, and research. Teaching English, our flagship publication, offers in-depth feature articles for secondary teachers, and English 4-11, published in collaboration with the English Association and UKLA, is for teachers of primary English. We’ve also partnered with Routledge to publish an authoritative series of books that support professional development and promote best practices across classrooms — from early years to university.

Our Working Groups play a key role in shaping NATE’s direction and responding to changes in policy and curriculum. These groups focus on important areas such as Post-16 & Higher Education, Multiculturalism & Diversity, Initial Teacher Education, Primary, Secondary, Assessment & Learning, and Reviewing Literature.

NATE is run by a dedicated team of experts. Our Management Team includes a Chair and Vice-Chair, elected Trustees and officers with areas of responsibility. Together, they oversee NATE’s strategic direction, manage resources, and ensure compliance with the Charity Commission.

At NATE, we’re committed to supporting teachers, advancing English education, and creating spaces for collaboration, creativity, and professional growth.