Schools

Our research assesses the performance of education services and how to improve them.

Education is a key priority for any government. Our research, events and commentary analyse changes to funding and demand for schools and the impact of government policies on their performance and on the workforce that delivers them.

We explain how the education system operates, evaluate models of assessment, and assess decision making during the pandemic.

06 NOV 2025 Report chapter

Performance Tracker 2025: Schools

20 AUG 2025 Report

Educational outcomes across England

22 JUL 2024 Report chapter

Fixing public services: Schools

02 APR 2026 Comment

The government should learn the lessons of past public service reform programmes

26 FEB 2026 Comment

How can the government join up the delivery of its SEND reforms?

22 JAN 2026 Comment

The government should be clear about the trade-offs involved in SEND reform

05 DEC 2025 Comment

Central government’s takeover of SEND deficits raises the stakes for SEND reform

Educational outcomes across England

Educational inequalities in England have grown wider and more pronounced across the country and among various demographic groups – in particular disadvantaged pupils – since the Covid pandemic.

Read the report