Ahead of the Government's Budget later this year, we submitted policy recommendations to the Treasury's consultation. Read our recommendations 👇 www.nfer.ac.uk/policies/bud...

An evaluation of Oak National Academy’s Aila, an AI-powered lesson assistant, has found that the tool helped primary teachers reduce the time they spent planning lessons by a quarter (24%), without compromising their quality. However, teachers reported mixed views 👇 www.nfer.ac.uk/publications...

Lesson planning using AI lesson assistant, Aila - A Teacher Choices Trial

An evaluation of the impact of Aila, an AI-powered lesson assistant that support teachers with lesson planning and resource creation, on teacher workload.

nfer.ac.uk

From key insights from PISA 2025 for Scotland to research into access to enrichment activities, there’s plenty to explore in our latest NFER Direct. Explore our latest findings, insights, resources and upcoming events 👇 r1.ddlnk.net/t/cr/AQiltBU...

🗣️ “We look forward to seeing more details about these proposed measures in the near future.” Our Co-Head of Policy and Practice, Jude Hillary, has commented on the Chancellor's announcement on apprenticeships and the re-establishment of the Union Learning Fund. 👇 www.nfer.ac.uk/press-releas...

NFER response to the Chancellor’s announcement on apprenticeships and the re-introduction of the Union Learning Fund

NFER Co-Head of Policy and Practice Jude Hillary has responded to the Chancellor’s announcement on apprenticeships and the re-introduction of the Union Learning Fund.

nfer.ac.uk

The Government has announced plans for new Vocational GCSEs from 2029. Jude Hillary responds to the plans, highlighting opportunities around practical skills and work experience, alongside considerations around choice, access and inequality. 👇 www.nfer.ac.uk/press-releas...

NFER statement on new vocational GCSEs

NFER responds to Government plans for new vocational GCSEs from 2029, highlighting opportunities, work experience, subject choice and inequality.

nfer.ac.uk

📢 Our new Research Digest is out! Explore the latest evidence on SEND, attendance and wellbeing, disadvantage, teacher retention, the education workforce, apprenticeships and more in our Research Digest. 👇 www.nfer.ac.uk/publications...

Research Digest September 2026

The sixth issue of our Research Digest summarises recent reports and blogs, highlighting key findings and recommendations for policy makers and classroom practice.

nfer.ac.uk

How can more pupils be supported to take part in enrichment? Our evaluation identified different routes associated with increasing pupil participation 👇 www.nfer.ac.uk/publications...

In a recent evaluation, funded by @theeef.bsky.social, we found that the Mathematical Reasoning programme helped Year 2 pupils make one additional month of progress in maths on average - with particularly promising findings for pupils eligible for Free School Meals. 👇 www.nfer.ac.uk/publications...

Mathematical Reasoning Programme Effectiveness Trial

NFER conducted a randomised controlled effectiveness trial into the Mathematical Reasoning is a programme designed by the University of Oxford to improve the maths attainment of Year 2 pupils (ages si...

nfer.ac.uk

In the Policy Landscape 2026, our Chief Executive Carole Willis explores developments in technical education, SEND, curriculum and assessment, and the wider context in which schools and colleges are working. 👇 ukandeu.ac.uk/reports/poli...

Policy landscape 2026 - UK in a changing Europe

As Parliament returns from recess, there is no shortage of policy challenges confronting Andy Burnham’s new government. To spell out the difficult choices that lie ahead, Resolution Foundation and UK ...

ukandeu.ac.uk

The Enrichment Partnerships Pilot tested a coordinated approach to improving enrichment opportunities for young people. Learn about our evaluation 👇 www.nfer.ac.uk/publications...

Key insights from #PISA2025 for Scotland Our new summary explores the key findings from PISA 2025 in Scotland, including performance in science, maths and reading, computational problem solving and the relationship between socio-economic background and attainment. 👇 www.nfer.ac.uk/publications...

Key insights from PISA 2025 for Scotland

PISA 2025 provides an internationally comparable perspective on the knowledge, skills and experiences of Scotland’s 15 year olds. This is a summary of the key insights from the 2025 study.

nfer.ac.uk

The Enrichment Partnerships Pilot brought together schools, local organisations and enrichment providers to improve enrichment opportunities for young people. Our evaluation explores what good enrichment looks like and what can be learned for the future. Read more 👇 www.nfer.ac.uk/publications...

Evaluation of the Enrichment Partnerships Pilot

NFER’s evaluation of the Enrichment Partnerships Pilot explores how the programme was delivered, its impact on enrichment opportunities and pupil participation, and lessons for future delivery.

nfer.ac.uk

Our Research Director Jenna Julius will be at the researchED National Conference in tomorrow, discussing why SEND pupils are increasingly concentrated in a subset of mainstream schools and what this means for schools, pupils and their communities. 🗣️ Find out more 👇 www.nfer.ac.uk/events/resea...

researchED National Conference 2026

NFER’s Research Director, Jenna Julius, will be holding a session to discuss high-SEND schools at the researchED Annual National Conference in London.

nfer.ac.uk

The House of Lords Public Services Committee has published a policy letter to the government following its inquiry into falling primary school rolls. The findings draw on our research, alongside evidence shared by our Research Director Jenna Julius with the Committee.

In 2024, around 40% of primary teachers reported an increase in pupils arriving without adequate clothing, while around a third reported an increase in pupils arriving hungry. What could September's new measures mean for families? www.nfer.ac.uk/blogs/how-fa...

How far will new measures help families facing cost-of-living pressures?

NFER Research Director Jenna Julius examines how changes to free school meals and school uniform requirements may help families facing cost-of-living pressures and what more is needed.

nfer.ac.uk

“These measures have the potential to provide practical help, but they should be seen as part of a wider response to the financial pressures facing families.” Jenna Julius, our Research Director, looks at what September's changes could mean for families. 🔗 www.nfer.ac.uk/blogs/how-fa...

How far will new measures help families facing cost-of-living pressures?

NFER Research Director Jenna Julius examines how changes to free school meals and school uniform requirements may help families facing cost-of-living pressures and what more is needed.

nfer.ac.uk

How far could new measures help families facing cost-of-living pressures? Our latest blog looks at what changes to free school meals and school uniform requirements could mean for families and what NFER research tells us about the wider pressures they face. 🔗 www.nfer.ac.uk/blogs/how-fa...

How far will new measures help families facing cost-of-living pressures?

NFER Research Director Jenna Julius examines how changes to free school meals and school uniform requirements may help families facing cost-of-living pressures and what more is needed.

nfer.ac.uk

Improving attendance requires schools, families and the government to work together. Speaking to BBC Radio Guernsey, Dr Emma Moore discussed the work schools are doing to address barriers to attendance and why strong relationships with families are essential. www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3L7...

Supporting Pupils Back Into School | Dr Emma Moore on BBC Radio Guernsey

YouTube video by NFER

youtube.com

We have published the latest Results Digest for the 2026 National Reference Test (NRT) this morning. Since 2017, we have been contracted by Ofqual to develop, deliver and analyse the results of the NRT in English and maths.  Find out more 👉 www.nfer.ac.uk/publications...

As pupils receive their GCSE results today, we want to thank the teachers and school staff who have supported, encouraged and believed in them to help bring their students to this important moment. We wish every pupil the very best for their next steps.

What shapes children’s experiences during primary school? The first findings from Five to Twelve explore children’s education, wellbeing, health and home lives, and the differences associated with their social and economic circumstances. Read more 👇 www.nfer.ac.uk/publications...

Support staff are essential to school life, yet their most recent leaving rate reached 19% - the highest recorded since data collection began in 2011/12. Our recent research highlights the importance of staff feeling valued, fairly rewarded and able to progress. www.nfer.ac.uk/blogs/workfo...

Workforce Warning Signs

Education Workforce Lead Jack Worth examines the latest teacher workforce trends, highlighting improvements in recruitment and retention alongside ongoing pressures on support staff.

nfer.ac.uk

Delighted to be working with @natcen.bsky.social and @ncb.org.uk on the Five to Twelve study, funded by the Department for Education. The Five to Twelve study aims to understand educational and wellbeing outcomes and how they are linked to social inequalities. 👇 www.nfer.ac.uk/publications...

Five to Twelve: Year 1 Report

Five to Twelve is a new longitudinal study that aims to understand educational and wellbeing outcomes and how they are linked to social inequalities. It follows children through primary education in E...

nfer.ac.uk

National Centre for Social Research@natcen.bsky.social · 2mo ago

NatCen's Five to Twelve study is helping inform government policy on educational inequality. Following children through their primary school years, the study provides robust evidence needed to meaningfully inform policy and practice. 🔗 Read more: natcen.ac.uk/publications...

To everyone receiving their Level 3 results today, we recognise the hard work and commitment that brought you here, and the families, teachers and staff across schools, colleges and workplaces who supported you. Whatever your results and next step, we wish you every success. 💜

Support staff are essential to school life, yet their most recent leaving rate reached 19% - the highest recorded since data collection began in 2011/12. Our recent research highlights the importance of staff feeling valued, fairly rewarded and able to progress. www.nfer.ac.uk/blogs/workfo...

Workforce Warning Signs

Education Workforce Lead Jack Worth examines the latest teacher workforce trends, highlighting improvements in recruitment and retention alongside ongoing pressures on support staff.

nfer.ac.uk

Supporting pupils experiencing persistent absence requires approaches that respond to individual circumstances and needs. Dr Emma Moore, explores the support schools are providing and the value of collaboration between schools, families and wider services. www.nfer.ac.uk/blogs/tackli...

Tackling absence isn’t just about getting pupils through the gates

Senior Research Manager Dr Emma Moore blogs about the complex challenge of tackling persistent absence in English secondary schools,

nfer.ac.uk

From pupil wellbeing and attendance to falling pupil numbers, rising SEND rates and early language development, our work in July explored some of the key issues facing education. Discover our latest research, insights and resources 👇 r1.ddlnk.net/t/cr/AQiltBU...

Many entry-level roles that once helped young people gain experience and begin building sustainable careers are declining. Our latest blog explores why helping young people climb the career ladder may not be enough, we also need to rebuild its first rungs. www.nfer.ac.uk/blogs/the-ca...

The latest edition of NFER Direct brings together our recent research and analysis on falling pupil numbers, school attendance and belonging, teacher supply and wider school workforce pressures. Read more 👇 r1.ddlnk.net/t/cr/AQiltBU...

What support helps pupils experiencing persistent absence return to school and thrive? Our latest blog explores the importance of consistent, empathetic and tailored support and why pupils’ social and academic reintegration must also be considered. Read more 👉 www.nfer.ac.uk/blogs/tackli...