Research

The latest from the world of education research including pedagogical studies, national school survey data and classroom case studies

Friday

17th Oct 2025

Most pupils in poverty missing out on free school meals
Free school meals eligibility is ‘no longer fit for purpose’ as a measure of pupil deprivation, EPI report warns
Majority of children in poverty miss out on free school meals

Thursday

16th Oct 2025

SEND: Pupils ‘have greater sense of belonging’ in special schools
Sutton Trust research reveals the challenges that the government is facing in its drive to make mainstream schools more inclusive
SEND: Pupils have ‘greater sense of belonging in special schools’

Wednesday

15th Oct 2025

Severe school absence ‘overstated’ in England
Although severe pupil absence is a growing problem since the pandemic, the scale of issue is not as bad as official DfE data suggests, according to a study
Empty classroom

Thursday

9th Oct 2025

What’s really driving the school attendance crisis?
New analysis sheds light on the key factors affecting student attendance and how those factors interact, in sometimes surprising ways
New research sheds light on the factors driving low school attendance

Wednesday

8th Oct 2025

How earlier puberty is affecting pupil behaviour
Children are going through puberty earlier than ever. What does this mean for education? David Robson investigates
Abstract Clocks Collage

Tuesday

7th Oct 2025

You think international heads don’t last long? That’s just a myth
The common belief that international school leadership is ‘a precarious and dark industry’ has been challenged by new research – although its author admits more could still be done to improve leaders’ longevity
Improving the retention of international headteachers

Tuesday

30th Sep 2025

Struggling students ‘most likely’ to have negative phone experiences
Those who are struggling academically at school are more likely to have upsetting interactions on their phones, research shows
Struggling pupils 'most likely to have negative phone experiences'

Friday

26th Sep 2025

Low-income white pupils ‘already disengaged’ before secondary
Schools need to look at much earlier interventions to improve outcomes for disadvantaged white children, a new study suggests
Low-income white children already disengaged before secondary school

Thursday

25th Sep 2025

Ex-minister calls for school funding rethink as London rolls plummet
With schools being hit by a drop in student numbers, one former education secretary warns that the per-pupil funding formula is leaving them unable to cover their fixed costs
Former minister calls for school funding rethink as London rolls plummet

Monday

22nd Sep 2025

Playing music at school ‘boosts skills for Stem careers’
Skills learned through performing music in school, such as confidence and collaboration, are valuable in a wide range of careers, new research shows
Music at school boosts skills for Stem careers, survey finds

Thursday

18th Sep 2025

Pupil unhappiness ‘doubles’ at secondary school
National Parent Survey findings on the number of pupils who are unhappy at school should be a ‘wake-up call’, says charity
The National Parent Survey offers insights into how happy pupils are at school

Tuesday

16th Sep 2025

What is the condition of Scotland’s school buildings?
The number of school buildings given the highest rating has dropped significantly in the past four years, but the Scottish government points to more positive data
Broken window classroom