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
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...
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...
Exploratory analysis of the early labour market outcomes of degree apprentices appears positive. One year after completing their course, the average young degree apprentice earned around double the salary of the average graduate (£36,785 vs £18,555) in the latest available data (2020-21).
November 12, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Exploratory analysis of the early labour market outcomes of degree apprentices appears positive. One year after completing their course, the average young degree apprentice earned around double the salary of the average graduate (£36,785 vs £18,555) in the latest available data (2020-21).
The average degree apprentice was also a relatively high attainer during their time at school. Our analysis shows that degree apprentices have consistently had higher average attainment at GCSE than the UG cohort (where entry requirements have a wide variation across provider and course type).
November 12, 2025 at 10:00 AM
The average degree apprentice was also a relatively high attainer during their time at school. Our analysis shows that degree apprentices have consistently had higher average attainment at GCSE than the UG cohort (where entry requirements have a wide variation across provider and course type).
Since their introduction, degree apprenticeships have grown rapidly, especially among 19–24-year-olds. But only around one in ten degree apprentices come from disadvantaged backgrounds; a lower share than among students at Russell Group universities.
November 12, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Since their introduction, degree apprenticeships have grown rapidly, especially among 19–24-year-olds. But only around one in ten degree apprentices come from disadvantaged backgrounds; a lower share than among students at Russell Group universities.
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...
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...
It's great to see the Government adopt EPI's 'months of learning' disadvantage gap measure for the first time in its CAR response. It's a key recognition of a measure that is intuitive, clear, and having a real impact across education, media, and policy.
November 5, 2025 at 11:42 AM
It's great to see the Government adopt EPI's 'months of learning' disadvantage gap measure for the first time in its CAR response. It's a key recognition of a measure that is intuitive, clear, and having a real impact across education, media, and policy.
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...
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...
October 28, 2025 at 3:28 PM
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...
How does your background shape HE progression and secure job outcomes?
The answer varies significantly across the four UK nations.
Our new blog explores these national gaps, drawing on our @nuffieldfoundation.org funded project with @ox.ac.uk SKOPE.
Read the full blog: epi.org.uk/publications...
The answer varies significantly across the four UK nations.
Our new blog explores these national gaps, drawing on our @nuffieldfoundation.org funded project with @ox.ac.uk SKOPE.
Read the full blog: epi.org.uk/publications...
October 22, 2025 at 9:33 AM
How does your background shape HE progression and secure job outcomes?
The answer varies significantly across the four UK nations.
Our new blog explores these national gaps, drawing on our @nuffieldfoundation.org funded project with @ox.ac.uk SKOPE.
Read the full blog: epi.org.uk/publications...
The answer varies significantly across the four UK nations.
Our new blog explores these national gaps, drawing on our @nuffieldfoundation.org funded project with @ox.ac.uk SKOPE.
Read the full blog: epi.org.uk/publications...
The Government's Post-16 education & skills white paper is a step towards more flexible pathways for young people.
We welcome the potential of these reforms, and continue to call for a 16-19 Student Premium to ensure young people get the support they need.
Full comment: epi.org.uk/comments/com...
We welcome the potential of these reforms, and continue to call for a 16-19 Student Premium to ensure young people get the support they need.
Full comment: epi.org.uk/comments/com...
October 21, 2025 at 10:39 AM
The Government's Post-16 education & skills white paper is a step towards more flexible pathways for young people.
We welcome the potential of these reforms, and continue to call for a 16-19 Student Premium to ensure young people get the support they need.
Full comment: epi.org.uk/comments/com...
We welcome the potential of these reforms, and continue to call for a 16-19 Student Premium to ensure young people get the support they need.
Full comment: epi.org.uk/comments/com...
Read the full report here: epi.org.uk/publications...
October 17, 2025 at 9:13 AM
Read the full report here: epi.org.uk/publications...
Rounding off today’s panels with @aqaeducation.bsky.social
We're joined by @robeastaway.bsky.social, Sarah Porretta (@youngenterprise.bsky.social), Baroness Spielman, and @schwitzer.bsky.social to discuss what’s needed from the curriculum and assessment system to help every child excel in maths.
We're joined by @robeastaway.bsky.social, Sarah Porretta (@youngenterprise.bsky.social), Baroness Spielman, and @schwitzer.bsky.social to discuss what’s needed from the curriculum and assessment system to help every child excel in maths.
October 6, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Rounding off today’s panels with @aqaeducation.bsky.social
We're joined by @robeastaway.bsky.social, Sarah Porretta (@youngenterprise.bsky.social), Baroness Spielman, and @schwitzer.bsky.social to discuss what’s needed from the curriculum and assessment system to help every child excel in maths.
We're joined by @robeastaway.bsky.social, Sarah Porretta (@youngenterprise.bsky.social), Baroness Spielman, and @schwitzer.bsky.social to discuss what’s needed from the curriculum and assessment system to help every child excel in maths.
A lively debate with @cambridgeocr.bsky.social at #CPC25
Key takeaways:
Curriculum reform isn’t a panacea, but it remains a powerful leveller.
Consensus behind reform may be more fragile than we imagine.
Implementation and change management require genuine cross-sector collaboration.
Key takeaways:
Curriculum reform isn’t a panacea, but it remains a powerful leveller.
Consensus behind reform may be more fragile than we imagine.
Implementation and change management require genuine cross-sector collaboration.
October 6, 2025 at 2:29 PM
A lively debate with @cambridgeocr.bsky.social at #CPC25
Key takeaways:
Curriculum reform isn’t a panacea, but it remains a powerful leveller.
Consensus behind reform may be more fragile than we imagine.
Implementation and change management require genuine cross-sector collaboration.
Key takeaways:
Curriculum reform isn’t a panacea, but it remains a powerful leveller.
Consensus behind reform may be more fragile than we imagine.
Implementation and change management require genuine cross-sector collaboration.
Next up with @cambridgeocr.bsky.social at #CPC25: we’re discussing the Curriculum and Assessment Review’s “evolution, not revolution” approach - and what we can learn from previous governments’ wide-ranging education reforms.
October 6, 2025 at 1:17 PM
Next up with @cambridgeocr.bsky.social at #CPC25: we’re discussing the Curriculum and Assessment Review’s “evolution, not revolution” approach - and what we can learn from previous governments’ wide-ranging education reforms.
Great discussion on how AI is reshaping the education policy debate: from making sure we empower headteachers and tackling the digital divide to ensuring effective safeguarding, regulation, and keeping quality teacher interaction at the heart of reform.
October 6, 2025 at 12:24 PM
Great discussion on how AI is reshaping the education policy debate: from making sure we empower headteachers and tackling the digital divide to ensuring effective safeguarding, regulation, and keeping quality teacher interaction at the heart of reform.
We’re underway at #CPC25 with @ascl-uk.bsky.social discussing tech and AI in the classroom with Dr Ben Spencer MP.
October 6, 2025 at 11:20 AM
We’re underway at #CPC25 with @ascl-uk.bsky.social discussing tech and AI in the classroom with Dr Ben Spencer MP.
To close the day, we’re delighted to welcome former Education Secretary @damianhinds.bsky.social to our reception with @aqaeducation.bsky.social and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, on building a national curriculum shaped by young people for young people.
Request a ticket: reception@epi.org.uk
Request a ticket: reception@epi.org.uk
October 2, 2025 at 12:13 PM
To close the day, we’re delighted to welcome former Education Secretary @damianhinds.bsky.social to our reception with @aqaeducation.bsky.social and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, on building a national curriculum shaped by young people for young people.
Request a ticket: reception@epi.org.uk
Request a ticket: reception@epi.org.uk
We then turn to maths education in partnership with @aqaeducation.bsky.social – what do we need from the curriculum and assessment system to ensure every child is supported to excel? And what would be the impact if content is reduced?
October 2, 2025 at 12:13 PM
We then turn to maths education in partnership with @aqaeducation.bsky.social – what do we need from the curriculum and assessment system to ensure every child is supported to excel? And what would be the impact if content is reduced?
Our curriculum and assessment double-header begins with @cambridgeocr.bsky.social, reflecting on past government successes and asking what’s needed from the Curriculum & Assessment Review’s final report to support aspirations and drive up standards in 11–16 education.
October 2, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Our curriculum and assessment double-header begins with @cambridgeocr.bsky.social, reflecting on past government successes and asking what’s needed from the Curriculum & Assessment Review’s final report to support aspirations and drive up standards in 11–16 education.
We start with @ascl-uk.bsky.social exploring whether AI can help tackle education’s toughest challenges – teacher retention, workload, and sustaining high-quality learning – and how effective opposition can ensure policy goes far enough to close the digital divide in schools.
October 2, 2025 at 12:13 PM
We start with @ascl-uk.bsky.social exploring whether AI can help tackle education’s toughest challenges – teacher retention, workload, and sustaining high-quality learning – and how effective opposition can ensure policy goes far enough to close the digital divide in schools.
We round off EPI’s party conference season on Monday 6 October at Conservative Party Conference in Manchester, with a full day of events on AI and the digital divide, maths education, building on past policy successes, and shaping a national curriculum guided by young people’s voices.
October 2, 2025 at 12:13 PM
We round off EPI’s party conference season on Monday 6 October at Conservative Party Conference in Manchester, with a full day of events on AI and the digital divide, maths education, building on past policy successes, and shaping a national curriculum guided by young people’s voices.
Heading into the final evening of #Lab25 with a timely panel on the role of sustained intervention and early literacy support in SEND reform, with the Fischer Family Foundation
September 30, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Heading into the final evening of #Lab25 with a timely panel on the role of sustained intervention and early literacy support in SEND reform, with the Fischer Family Foundation