Latest Publications

The past decade has brought a decline in the number of school students in England participating in work experience. Far too many have to rely on their parents’ connections to get worthwhile and beneficial experiences. Amidst growing calls for work experience to be accessible for all, in this report we provide a roadmap for rolling out high quality, universal work experience to students in England, in a way that is both equitable and does not compromise quality.

This report examines school leavers and adult learners’ experiences of careers information, advice and guidance (IAG) in England. Drawing on focus groups with school leavers, adult learners and parents, plus discussions with experts and practitioners, it presents new evidence on the way that people engage with IAG. The report makes policy recommendations in order to increase the personalisation, accountability, and accessibility of IAG.

This paper discusses the issue of signalling in education – the possibility that some forms of education may do little directly to improve learners’ skills and effectiveness, but may be used primarily to demonstrate or ‘signal’ their pre-existing traits or ability.

Disrespect causes disruption – Decision-makers and people with influence urgently need to address the deficit in respect between graduates and those without a degree, recognising that the emphasis on high-level...

This report explores young people’s “outlook” in the UK, the role of outlook in shaping life outcomes, and how policy can respond in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This research, supported by the Greater London Authority, focuses on how the outcomes of graduates who have studied in London and those from London vary by a range of different characteristics.

This briefing considers the existing obstacles to innovation and experimentation, and proposes some ways to develop a more dynamic, creative and inventive Scotland's school system.

This report explores the role that adult education does and could play in improving the labour market outcomes of low-income households. It draws on desk research, quantitative analysis and in-depth interviews with both participants and non-participants in adult education from low-income households, and provides a series of policy considerations

This briefing paper provides an overview of the case for Universal Job Guarantee, and why it should be harnessed in order to build and implement an effective social security system for life on the other side of our current crisis.