Education Policy Institute
@edupolicyinst.bsky.social
The Education Policy Institute (EPI) is an independent, impartial, and evidence-based research institute that promotes high quality education
With the schools white paper imminent, EPI’s @jojohutchinson.bsky.social lays out the case for an approach that balances fiscal reality with strategic vision - prioritising visible improvements to the experience of children and their families.
Full comment piece here: epi.org.uk/publications...
Full comment piece here: epi.org.uk/publications...
January 23, 2026 at 10:39 AM
With the schools white paper imminent, EPI’s @jojohutchinson.bsky.social lays out the case for an approach that balances fiscal reality with strategic vision - prioritising visible improvements to the experience of children and their families.
Full comment piece here: epi.org.uk/publications...
Full comment piece here: epi.org.uk/publications...
How are MATs using AI across teaching, learning, and administration?
Our latest report - supported by @nuffieldfoundation.org - finds that limited evidence on AI’s impact leaves multi‑academy trusts navigating a “wild west” market.
Read the full report: epi.org.uk/publications...
Our latest report - supported by @nuffieldfoundation.org - finds that limited evidence on AI’s impact leaves multi‑academy trusts navigating a “wild west” market.
Read the full report: epi.org.uk/publications...
January 22, 2026 at 9:42 AM
How are MATs using AI across teaching, learning, and administration?
Our latest report - supported by @nuffieldfoundation.org - finds that limited evidence on AI’s impact leaves multi‑academy trusts navigating a “wild west” market.
Read the full report: epi.org.uk/publications...
Our latest report - supported by @nuffieldfoundation.org - finds that limited evidence on AI’s impact leaves multi‑academy trusts navigating a “wild west” market.
Read the full report: epi.org.uk/publications...
"We need to ensure children with SEND and mental health difficulties feel they belong in the mainstream system, while also securing adequate specialist places for those with the most complex needs."
EPI's @jojohutchinson.bsky.social spoke to Sky about the concerning rise in elective home education.
EPI's @jojohutchinson.bsky.social spoke to Sky about the concerning rise in elective home education.
Number of children being taught at home increases by 15% in a year, report finds
Number of children being taught at home increases by 15% in a year, report finds
The number of children being taught at home has risen again, with more than 175,000 educated outside school last year, according to new government data.
news.sky.com
January 16, 2026 at 11:33 AM
"We need to ensure children with SEND and mental health difficulties feel they belong in the mainstream system, while also securing adequate specialist places for those with the most complex needs."
EPI's @jojohutchinson.bsky.social spoke to Sky about the concerning rise in elective home education.
EPI's @jojohutchinson.bsky.social spoke to Sky about the concerning rise in elective home education.
Insightful reporting from @jabedahmed.bsky.social w/ commentary from EPI's @jzuccollo.bsky.social:
"Teacher salaries are remarkably uniform across most of England, whereas housing costs are anything but. The current pay structure doesn’t capture the reality and disparity of local housing markets."
"Teacher salaries are remarkably uniform across most of England, whereas housing costs are anything but. The current pay structure doesn’t capture the reality and disparity of local housing markets."
Where in the country do teachers face the biggest difficulties affording housing? @jabedahmed.bsky.social investigates whether the pay weighting system focused solely on London is in need of reform
Revealed: where teacher pay falls furthest short of living costs
Teachers in London get thousands in pay uplifts to compensate for historically high housing costs. But, given that staff in many other parts of the country now also face high property costs, does the pay weighting system need reform? Tes investigates
www.tes.com
January 16, 2026 at 10:01 AM
Insightful reporting from @jabedahmed.bsky.social w/ commentary from EPI's @jzuccollo.bsky.social:
"Teacher salaries are remarkably uniform across most of England, whereas housing costs are anything but. The current pay structure doesn’t capture the reality and disparity of local housing markets."
"Teacher salaries are remarkably uniform across most of England, whereas housing costs are anything but. The current pay structure doesn’t capture the reality and disparity of local housing markets."
New exploratory analysis examined behaviour policies from 45 state schools across three London boroughs.
We found that written policies vary in ways that align, to an extent, with outcomes linked to pupil wellbeing.
Read the full analysis: epi.org.uk/publications...
We found that written policies vary in ways that align, to an extent, with outcomes linked to pupil wellbeing.
Read the full analysis: epi.org.uk/publications...
December 17, 2025 at 11:17 AM
New exploratory analysis examined behaviour policies from 45 state schools across three London boroughs.
We found that written policies vary in ways that align, to an extent, with outcomes linked to pupil wellbeing.
Read the full analysis: epi.org.uk/publications...
We found that written policies vary in ways that align, to an extent, with outcomes linked to pupil wellbeing.
Read the full analysis: epi.org.uk/publications...
Reposted by Education Policy Institute
- Is our curriculum unusually overloaded?
- What does a supportive accountability system look like?
- Does anyone get better bang for their buck out of their SEND system?
...now, thanks to @nuffieldfoundation.org's support, there's somewhere you can go to get the answers. www.ces.partners
- What does a supportive accountability system look like?
- Does anyone get better bang for their buck out of their SEND system?
...now, thanks to @nuffieldfoundation.org's support, there's somewhere you can go to get the answers. www.ces.partners
December 16, 2025 at 8:24 AM
- Is our curriculum unusually overloaded?
- What does a supportive accountability system look like?
- Does anyone get better bang for their buck out of their SEND system?
...now, thanks to @nuffieldfoundation.org's support, there's somewhere you can go to get the answers. www.ces.partners
- What does a supportive accountability system look like?
- Does anyone get better bang for their buck out of their SEND system?
...now, thanks to @nuffieldfoundation.org's support, there's somewhere you can go to get the answers. www.ces.partners
What does the reliance on private providers in early education and care mean for children in England?
Dr Tammy Campbell analyses the latest DfE statistics to ask if this shift is desirable for public spending and children's experiences.
Read the full blog: epi.org.uk/publications...
Dr Tammy Campbell analyses the latest DfE statistics to ask if this shift is desirable for public spending and children's experiences.
Read the full blog: epi.org.uk/publications...
December 11, 2025 at 1:23 PM
What does the reliance on private providers in early education and care mean for children in England?
Dr Tammy Campbell analyses the latest DfE statistics to ask if this shift is desirable for public spending and children's experiences.
Read the full blog: epi.org.uk/publications...
Dr Tammy Campbell analyses the latest DfE statistics to ask if this shift is desirable for public spending and children's experiences.
Read the full blog: epi.org.uk/publications...
"Efforts to tackle the disadvantage gap in education will only be successful within a wider effort to address the causes and effects of poverty."
Read EPI's response to the Government's Child Poverty Strategy: epi.org.uk/comments/epi...
Read EPI's response to the Government's Child Poverty Strategy: epi.org.uk/comments/epi...
December 5, 2025 at 11:48 AM
"Efforts to tackle the disadvantage gap in education will only be successful within a wider effort to address the causes and effects of poverty."
Read EPI's response to the Government's Child Poverty Strategy: epi.org.uk/comments/epi...
Read EPI's response to the Government's Child Poverty Strategy: epi.org.uk/comments/epi...
New from EPI: a summary paper on EdTech decision-making and inclusive practice. Drawing on roundtables with policymakers, education leaders, and MAT representatives, this paper offers a synthesis of expert insights on navigating the complex EdTech landscape.
Full paper: epi.org.uk/publications...
Full paper: epi.org.uk/publications...
December 4, 2025 at 10:16 AM
New from EPI: a summary paper on EdTech decision-making and inclusive practice. Drawing on roundtables with policymakers, education leaders, and MAT representatives, this paper offers a synthesis of expert insights on navigating the complex EdTech landscape.
Full paper: epi.org.uk/publications...
Full paper: epi.org.uk/publications...
"Raiding mainstream funding creates a twofold risk: it undermines the capacity to deliver the very inclusion reforms the government wants while simultaneously compromising current provision."
EPI comment on the Budget & SEND reform and funding in @thetimes.com
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
EPI comment on the Budget & SEND reform and funding in @thetimes.com
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
Teachers fear raid on school budgets to fund special needs reform
Union threatens strike action and says that any fall in school spending would have a ‘catastrophic’ impact on pupils
www.thetimes.com
November 28, 2025 at 2:29 PM
"Raiding mainstream funding creates a twofold risk: it undermines the capacity to deliver the very inclusion reforms the government wants while simultaneously compromising current provision."
EPI comment on the Budget & SEND reform and funding in @thetimes.com
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
EPI comment on the Budget & SEND reform and funding in @thetimes.com
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
What does the Budget mean for SEND funding and provision?
EPI's Chief Executive Natalie Perera spoke to The World Tonight about SEND reform and why expecting costs to be absorbed by existing school budgets is unrealistic.
🎧 Listen back (35:20): www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
EPI's Chief Executive Natalie Perera spoke to The World Tonight about SEND reform and why expecting costs to be absorbed by existing school budgets is unrealistic.
🎧 Listen back (35:20): www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
The World Tonight - Government backtracks on day-one unfair dismissal right - BBC Sounds
Government U-turns on manifesto promise to give workers immediate unfair dismissal right
www.bbc.co.uk
November 28, 2025 at 10:05 AM
What does the Budget mean for SEND funding and provision?
EPI's Chief Executive Natalie Perera spoke to The World Tonight about SEND reform and why expecting costs to be absorbed by existing school budgets is unrealistic.
🎧 Listen back (35:20): www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
EPI's Chief Executive Natalie Perera spoke to The World Tonight about SEND reform and why expecting costs to be absorbed by existing school budgets is unrealistic.
🎧 Listen back (35:20): www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
"While there is a clear and imminent need to address the rising costs of SEND provision, the Government must not cut school funding to meet these pressures."
Read EPI's response to the Budget 2025: epi.org.uk/comments/epi...
Read EPI's response to the Budget 2025: epi.org.uk/comments/epi...
November 26, 2025 at 2:53 PM
"While there is a clear and imminent need to address the rising costs of SEND provision, the Government must not cut school funding to meet these pressures."
Read EPI's response to the Budget 2025: epi.org.uk/comments/epi...
Read EPI's response to the Budget 2025: epi.org.uk/comments/epi...
EPI is searching for our next CEO 📣
Are you an experienced leader with a passion for education and social justice? Help EPI make the case for better outcomes by continuing to deliver world-class research and influence policy at the highest levels.
Find out more: epi.org.uk/jobs/chief-e...
Are you an experienced leader with a passion for education and social justice? Help EPI make the case for better outcomes by continuing to deliver world-class research and influence policy at the highest levels.
Find out more: epi.org.uk/jobs/chief-e...
November 25, 2025 at 9:47 AM
EPI is searching for our next CEO 📣
Are you an experienced leader with a passion for education and social justice? Help EPI make the case for better outcomes by continuing to deliver world-class research and influence policy at the highest levels.
Find out more: epi.org.uk/jobs/chief-e...
Are you an experienced leader with a passion for education and social justice? Help EPI make the case for better outcomes by continuing to deliver world-class research and influence policy at the highest levels.
Find out more: epi.org.uk/jobs/chief-e...
New EPI analysis, part of a @nuffieldfoundation.org funded project, tracks student progress from school to the workplace. We found that GCSE attainment casts a long shadow, entrenching the earnings gap for disadvantaged pupils from the age of 16.
Read the full analysis: epi.org.uk/publications...
Read the full analysis: epi.org.uk/publications...
November 20, 2025 at 4:04 PM
New EPI analysis, part of a @nuffieldfoundation.org funded project, tracks student progress from school to the workplace. We found that GCSE attainment casts a long shadow, entrenching the earnings gap for disadvantaged pupils from the age of 16.
Read the full analysis: epi.org.uk/publications...
Read the full analysis: epi.org.uk/publications...
Reposted by Education Policy Institute
Looking for your first start in think tanks? @edupolicyinst.bsky.social are recruiting a Executive & Events Officer to join their comms, partnerships and events team! If you fancy broadening your skills, supporting policy events and having real impact - apply here:
bit.ly/484sfWw
bit.ly/484sfWw
November 18, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Looking for your first start in think tanks? @edupolicyinst.bsky.social are recruiting a Executive & Events Officer to join their comms, partnerships and events team! If you fancy broadening your skills, supporting policy events and having real impact - apply here:
bit.ly/484sfWw
bit.ly/484sfWw
EPI's Chief Executive, @natalieperera.bsky.social, will step down at the end of January after a decade at the helm. We are deeply grateful for her outstanding leadership and wish her the very best in her new role at @aqaeducation.bsky.social
Read the announcement: epi.org.uk/comments/nat...
Read the announcement: epi.org.uk/comments/nat...
November 17, 2025 at 2:04 PM
EPI's Chief Executive, @natalieperera.bsky.social, will step down at the end of January after a decade at the helm. We are deeply grateful for her outstanding leadership and wish her the very best in her new role at @aqaeducation.bsky.social
Read the announcement: epi.org.uk/comments/nat...
Read the announcement: epi.org.uk/comments/nat...
Reposted by Education Policy Institute
'Underpinning the review, as with education policy broadly, is a lack of curiosity and ownership regarding SEND, and the children these policies affect. It has fallen short in two key areas', argues @jojohutchinson.bsky.social
schoolsweek.co.uk/the-curricul...
schoolsweek.co.uk/the-curricul...
schoolsweek.co.uk
November 14, 2025 at 5:15 AM
'Underpinning the review, as with education policy broadly, is a lack of curiosity and ownership regarding SEND, and the children these policies affect. It has fallen short in two key areas', argues @jojohutchinson.bsky.social
schoolsweek.co.uk/the-curricul...
schoolsweek.co.uk/the-curricul...
Coming up on Monday 24th November: don't forget to register for our free webinar with Caitlin Bell (Capita), Luke Sibieta (@theifs.bsky.social), and EPI's Jon Andrews to discuss strained school finances and how policy can better respond to the diverse needs of schools.
How can we best support schools that are facing ever-tightening budgets?
Join EPI and Capita on Monday 24th Nov to discuss the financial challenges schools face, the role of tech, and how policy can better respond to the diverse needs of schools.
More info & register: epi.org.uk/events/how-a...
Join EPI and Capita on Monday 24th Nov to discuss the financial challenges schools face, the role of tech, and how policy can better respond to the diverse needs of schools.
More info & register: epi.org.uk/events/how-a...
November 13, 2025 at 2:48 PM
Coming up on Monday 24th November: don't forget to register for our free webinar with Caitlin Bell (Capita), Luke Sibieta (@theifs.bsky.social), and EPI's Jon Andrews to discuss strained school finances and how policy can better respond to the diverse needs of schools.
Great to see EPI's work on children missing from education recognised at the inaugural @smartthinking.bsky.social awards last night.
"300,000 children are missing entirely from education" was the "killer stat of the year".
Read the report: epi.org.uk/publications...
"300,000 children are missing entirely from education" was the "killer stat of the year".
Read the report: epi.org.uk/publications...
Children Missing from Education - Education Policy Institute
A new report by the Education Policy Institute finds that up to 300,000 children may be missing from education entirely. By comparing GP registrations with school registrations and data on pupils in r...
epi.org.uk
November 13, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Great to see EPI's work on children missing from education recognised at the inaugural @smartthinking.bsky.social awards last night.
"300,000 children are missing entirely from education" was the "killer stat of the year".
Read the report: epi.org.uk/publications...
"300,000 children are missing entirely from education" was the "killer stat of the year".
Read the report: epi.org.uk/publications...
"Our findings point to a maturing system that is delivering strong outcomes for those who access it, but remains uneven in who benefits."
Read EPI Senior Researcher Robbie Cruikshanks's breakdown of our new report on degree apprenticeships: epi.org.uk/publications...
Read EPI Senior Researcher Robbie Cruikshanks's breakdown of our new report on degree apprenticeships: epi.org.uk/publications...
A decade of degree apprenticeships - Education Policy Institute
Ten years on from their launch, degree apprenticeships are delivering impressive outcomes for many young people, but they’re still not living up to their potential as a tool for social mobility. Our ...
epi.org.uk
November 12, 2025 at 2:18 PM
"Our findings point to a maturing system that is delivering strong outcomes for those who access it, but remains uneven in who benefits."
Read EPI Senior Researcher Robbie Cruikshanks's breakdown of our new report on degree apprenticeships: epi.org.uk/publications...
Read EPI Senior Researcher Robbie Cruikshanks's breakdown of our new report on degree apprenticeships: epi.org.uk/publications...
EPI's latest report, "Degree Apprenticeships: An alternative to university?", funded by AL Elevation, finds that despite having high achievement rates and leading to competitive salaries, degree apprenticeships are not sufficiently inclusive.
November 12, 2025 at 10:00 AM
EPI's latest report, "Degree Apprenticeships: An alternative to university?", funded by AL Elevation, finds that despite having high achievement rates and leading to competitive salaries, degree apprenticeships are not sufficiently inclusive.
Our Co-Director for Early Years and Wellbeing, @drtammycampbell.bsky.social, spoke to the Education Committee for the first session of its new inquiry into how the Gov't can improve support for children and families during the early years.
Watch back here: committees.parliament.uk/work/9309/ea...
Watch back here: committees.parliament.uk/work/9309/ea...
November 11, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Our Co-Director for Early Years and Wellbeing, @drtammycampbell.bsky.social, spoke to the Education Committee for the first session of its new inquiry into how the Gov't can improve support for children and families during the early years.
Watch back here: committees.parliament.uk/work/9309/ea...
Watch back here: committees.parliament.uk/work/9309/ea...
Want to play a key role in EPI's efforts to ensure quality education for all?
EPI is looking for an Executive & Events Officer to help deliver high-profile events and provide support to our CEO, while keeping our office running smoothly and supporting wider operations.
More info: epi.org.uk/jobs/
EPI is looking for an Executive & Events Officer to help deliver high-profile events and provide support to our CEO, while keeping our office running smoothly and supporting wider operations.
More info: epi.org.uk/jobs/
Jobs
epi.org.uk
November 5, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Want to play a key role in EPI's efforts to ensure quality education for all?
EPI is looking for an Executive & Events Officer to help deliver high-profile events and provide support to our CEO, while keeping our office running smoothly and supporting wider operations.
More info: epi.org.uk/jobs/
EPI is looking for an Executive & Events Officer to help deliver high-profile events and provide support to our CEO, while keeping our office running smoothly and supporting wider operations.
More info: epi.org.uk/jobs/
Today’s Curriculum and Assessment Review highlights mixed opinions on the Phonics Screening Check.
This aligns with EPI research, which found mixed views - as well as no positive evidence that the Check's introduction improved later reading results: epi.org.uk/publications...
This aligns with EPI research, which found mixed views - as well as no positive evidence that the Check's introduction improved later reading results: epi.org.uk/publications...
November 5, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Today’s Curriculum and Assessment Review highlights mixed opinions on the Phonics Screening Check.
This aligns with EPI research, which found mixed views - as well as no positive evidence that the Check's introduction improved later reading results: epi.org.uk/publications...
This aligns with EPI research, which found mixed views - as well as no positive evidence that the Check's introduction improved later reading results: epi.org.uk/publications...
The Government's response to the CAR sets out a "sensible direction of travel".
The focus on oracy & accountability reforms is a positive step. However, the forthcoming white paper must be even more ambitious on SEND to deliver a system that works for all.
Full comment: epi.org.uk/comments/gov...
The focus on oracy & accountability reforms is a positive step. However, the forthcoming white paper must be even more ambitious on SEND to deliver a system that works for all.
Full comment: epi.org.uk/comments/gov...
November 5, 2025 at 9:27 AM
The Government's response to the CAR sets out a "sensible direction of travel".
The focus on oracy & accountability reforms is a positive step. However, the forthcoming white paper must be even more ambitious on SEND to deliver a system that works for all.
Full comment: epi.org.uk/comments/gov...
The focus on oracy & accountability reforms is a positive step. However, the forthcoming white paper must be even more ambitious on SEND to deliver a system that works for all.
Full comment: epi.org.uk/comments/gov...