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...

Technical education can help young people build the skills and confidence they need for a changing economy. Responding to the Prime Minister’s plans, Co-Head of Policy and Practice Jude Hillary highlights the need for careful planning, investment and collaboration. www.nfer.ac.uk/press-releas...

NFER comment on the Prime Minister’s plans for technical education reforms

NFER Co-Head of Policy and Practice Jude Hillary has responded to plans to broaden access to technical education, highlighting the need for careful planning, investment and support for schools and col...

nfer.ac.uk

Our new research suggests pupil wellbeing may be a major factor in declining school attendance. Pupils, parents, carers and school staff highlighted the links between wellbeing, online bullying, social media use and persistent absence. Learn more 👇

New research suggests pupil wellbeing challenges fuelling persistent school absence rates

Deteriorating pupil wellbeing is likely to be a major factor influencing school attendance, according to new research, with increased social media use and online bullying linked to the decline.

nfer.ac.uk

Our new research explores the relationship between pupil wellbeing and persistent absence. Based on case studies in 10 secondary schools, we found that wellbeing was widely viewed as a major factor in declining attendance. Learn more 👉

Pupil wellbeing and persistent absence: Understanding the views of pupils, parents and carers, and school staff

This study explored the link between pupil wellbeing and school attendance through 10 secondary school case studies, examining the causes of persistent absence and the effectiveness of school support in helping pupils return to education.

nfer.ac.uk

Changes to free school meal eligibility are due to take effect from September 2026. In our latest blog, Research Director Jenna Julius explains what the changes could mean for pupils, schools, funding and how disadvantage is measured. Read more👇 www.nfer.ac.uk/blogs/it-s-t...

It’s time to start planning for changes to FSM eligibility

The government has announced significant changes to FSM eligibility from September onwards. But what do these changes mean for schools, and what are the wider implications for understanding how the a...

nfer.ac.uk

The number of words children hear could vary by as many as eight million over a year, highlighting the importance of rich early language experiences. Stephen Welbourne explores how structured support can help children develop their vocabulary and confidence. www.nfer.ac.uk/blogs/struct...

Structured early language support has the potential to improve educational outcomes for all children

NFER research finds NELI Preschool helped children make two additional months’ language progress, with benefits across backgrounds and settings.

nfer.ac.uk

Pupil numbers in England are forecast to fall further and faster than previously expected. Our Senior Economist, Michael Scott, explains what the new projections could mean for primary and secondary schools. Read our response 👉 www.nfer.ac.uk/press-releas...

The number of words children hear could vary by as many as eight million over a year, highlighting the importance of rich early language experiences. Stephen Welbourne explores how structured support can help children develop their vocabulary and confidence. www.nfer.ac.uk/blogs/struct...

Structured early language support has the potential to improve educational outcomes for all children

NFER research finds NELI Preschool helped children make two additional months’ language progress, with benefits across backgrounds and settings.

nfer.ac.uk

This language intervention in the early years improved pupils' progress by two months and helped staff, too, writes Stephen Welbourne of @thenfer.bsky.social

Early years language focus can boost progress by two months

NFER research finds all pupils benefit from language teaching in the early years – and it could have a real impact on their later education

tes.com

What difference can early language support make? Our evaluation of NELI Preschool found that children taking part made an average of two additional months’ progress in their oral language skills. Read our findings 👉 www.nfer.ac.uk/publications...

Teachers’ and school leaders’ experiences will be at the heart of the next Working Lives of Teachers and Leaders study, working alongside @ipsosintheuk.bsky.social @jackworth.bsky.social will be the study’s Policy & Analysis Lead 👇 www.nfer.ac.uk/press-releas...

What is it really like to work as a teacher or school leader in England today? We’re partnering with @ipsosintheuk.bsky.social on the next phase of the DfE’s Working Lives of Teachers and Leaders study. Find out more 👇 www.nfer.ac.uk/press-releas...

NFER and Ipsos appointed to deliver next Working Lives of Teachers and Leaders study

The National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) and Ipsos have been appointed by the Department for Education (DfE) to deliver the next phase of the Working Lives of Teachers and Leaders study...

nfer.ac.uk

Many primary schools are balancing falling pupil numbers with rising levels of SEND. Our new blog explores how these trends overlap and what they could mean for schools, staff and pupils. Read more 👇 www.nfer.ac.uk/blogs/explor...

Exploring the relationship between falling pupil numbers and SEND rates in primary schools

In a new blog, we explore how rising SEND rates and falling pupil numbers are affecting primary schools in England. This analysis examines where these trends overlap and what they could mean for schoo...

nfer.ac.uk

We're delighted to be leading a major new @nuffieldfoundation.org funded study, which will provide an updated and expanded analysis of ethnic diversity across England's education workforce. [1/2]

A huge thank you to everyone we met at the #FestivalOfEducation this week! 🎪💜 It was great to share some of our latest research, hear your perspectives and have so many thoughtful conversations about the opportunities and challenges facing education.

@jackworth.bsky.social, our Education Workforce Lead, responds to today's teacher pay announcement. Read Jack's comments on the announcement 👇 www.nfer.ac.uk/press-releas...

NFER statement on STRB pay recommendations

NFER responds to Government's acceptance of 2026 and 2027 teacher pay recommendations

nfer.ac.uk

📍 We're at the Festival of Education 2026! Hear our Senior Research Manager, Matthew Walker present our latest SEND research (Thursday 2 July, 4–4:45pm), then visit the NFER stand to chat with our team and learn more about our research and NFER Assessments. 💜 #FestivalofEducation #NFER

Our Co-Head of Policy and Practice, Jude Hillary, has responded to today's proposals from Andy Burnham MP on education and youth employment. Read the full statement 👉 www.nfer.ac.uk/press-releas...

Stay informed with the latest education research, insights and resources. 📩 Our latest newsletter has information on pupil wellbeing and attendance, teacher workforce trends, international research and more. Read the June roundup and subscribe for future updates 👇 r1.ddlnk.net/t/cr/AQiltBU...

Teacher recruitment and retention are improving, but challenges remain across the school workforce. @jackworth.bsky.social explores what's driving recent progress, why support staff need greater attention, and what school leaders can do to help retain staff. 👇 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

📉 Pupil numbers are projected to keep falling over the coming years. What could this mean for schools, pupils and policymakers? Our latest analysis explores the challenges ahead and sets out recommendations to help mitigate the risks. Read more 👇 www.nfer.ac.uk/blogs/the-wi...

The widening disadvantage divide: Disadvantaged primary schools appear to be most affected by falling pupil numbers

A new blog from Michael Scott, Sarah Tang and Jenna Julius explores the emerging distributional consequences of falling pupil numbers in more detail, highlighting that more disadvantaged schools are s...

nfer.ac.uk

Falling primary pupil numbers are hitting disadvantaged #schools hardest, new analysis from @thenfer.bsky.social warns. With rolls set to drop further by 2030, leaders face growing funding pressures & tough decisions on staffing & provision: buff.ly/D9mf6tQ #education #edusky

Our Co-Head of Policy and Practice, Dr Ben Styles, will be presenting on ways AI can streamline planning, administration and assessment at the Westminster Insight Conference today. He will be drawing on research from our research into ChatGPT in lesson preparation: www.nfer.ac.uk/publications...

"We should not underestimate the significance of such rigorous evidence in the EdTech space." Dr Ben Styles, our head of Teaching and Learning research, responds to our new research into the @mathswhizz.bsky.social Intelligent Tutoring Programme, involving 63 schools and 10,369 pupils. [1/2]

Our Research Director, Jenna Julius, will be giving evidence to the Public Services Committee at the @houseoflords.parliament.uk tomorrow on falling primary school rolls. 🗣️ ⏲️ 11:00am - 12:00pm 🔗 Find out more and watch the session 👇 committees.parliament.uk/event/26935/...

24 June 2026 - Falling Primary School Rolls - Oral evidence - Committees - UK Parliament

11:00 - Room 2, Palace of Westminster

committees.parliament.uk

Falling pupil numbers aren't affecting all schools equally. 📉 Our latest analysis shows disadvantaged primary schools have experienced the largest falls in pupil numbers, raising concerns about funding pressures and widening inequalities. Read more 👇 www.nfer.ac.uk/blogs/the-wi...

The widening disadvantage divide: Disadvantaged primary schools appear to be most affected by falling pupil numbers

A new blog from Michael Scott, Sarah Tang and Jenna Julius explores the emerging distributional consequences of falling pupil numbers in more detail, highlighting that more disadvantaged schools are s...

nfer.ac.uk

Our Research Director, Jenna Julius, will be giving evidence to the Public Services Committee at the @houseoflords.parliament.uk tomorrow on falling primary school rolls. 🗣️ ⏲️ 11:00am - 12:00pm 🔗 Find out more and watch the session 👇 committees.parliament.uk/event/26935/...

24 June 2026 - Falling Primary School Rolls - Oral evidence - Committees - UK Parliament

11:00 - Room 2, Palace of Westminster

committees.parliament.uk