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National Foundation for Educational Research

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NFER is a charity with a world reputation for providing independent and rigorous education research.

03/11/2026

Five things you need to know about what's happening across education this month. 💡

From new findings on how AI could reduce teachers' lesson planning workload, to the latest research on SEND inclusion and the factors driving pupil absence, there are a number of new insights within our latest monthly newsletter.

We've brought together five key updates including new research, expert perspectives and upcoming opportunities to hear from our researchers.

Swipe through to catch up on the latest evidence and developments, then explore the full stories in our October edition of NFER Direct. 👉 https://r1.ddlnk.net/t/cr/AQiltBUQ6NImGO_liBcSA4bwyDNK4FHbk1ScbXEz_2IAniCtFzm7jh6yVPNs3A

30/10/2026

What we're seeing across education.

This month, NFER Direct brings together some of the latest evidence and expert perspectives on the issues shaping education today.

Discover new findings from our evaluation of Oak National Academy's Aila lesson assistant and its impact on teachers' lesson planning workload. Read expert perspectives on what it will take to make greater SEND inclusion in mainstream schools a reality, and explore the complex factors driving pupil absence.

You'll also find opportunities to hear directly from our specialists at upcoming education events, alongside information about the next Erasmus+ application round.

From new research findings to opportunities to hear from our experts, there's plenty to explore and catch up on.

Read the latest NFER Direct at the link in the comments 👇

21/10/2026

🔎 What does the evidence tell us about the Further Education (FE) teacher workforce in England?

FE teachers play a vital role in helping young people develop the skills they need for the future. But a widening pay gap, significant teacher shortages and growing student numbers present challenges for the sector.

Our latest research explores the scale of these challenges and what could help strengthen FE teacher recruitment and retention.

Explore the findings in our carousel and read the full report via the link in the comments. 👇

20/10/2026

The Government has set out plans to support more children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in mainstream settings, including investment in teacher training, specialist support and inclusion bases. But what will it take for these measures to translate into effective inclusive practice?

In our new blog, Research Director Jenna Julius draws on our recent research to explore the workforce capacity, specialist expertise and wider support schools need to meet pupils’ needs.

The blog considers:

🟣 Why training needs to be supported by access to specialist expertise
🟣 How teachers and support staff can work together effectively
🟣 The role inclusion bases can play in developing inclusive practice across a school.

It also explores why mainstream and specialist provision both have a role in ensuring children and young people can access the support and education that best meet their needs.

Read Jenna’s blog to explore the evidence and the considerations for putting inclusive practice into action via the link in the comments. 🔗

16/10/2026

Pupil absence rates in England remain stubbornly higher than pre-pandemic levels, highlighting the continued challenge of improving school attendance.

However, the latest Department for Education statistics are showing some signs of continued positive progress, particularly in secondary schools.

Our Senior Research Manager, Dr Emma Moore, recognises the efforts schools are making to build strong relationships with families, understand barriers to attendance and provide flexible support that meets pupils’ individual needs.

Improving attendance requires a joined-up approach. Schools play a vital role, but they also need wider mental health, family and SEND services to help address the barriers pupils face beyond the school gates.

Read our full response via the link in the comments. 👇

14/10/2026

Supporting school attendance can be complex, and there is no single solution that works for every pupil. Understanding the factors influencing absence can help build a clearer picture of how schools can support pupils to reconnect with learning.

In a new article originally published in the Association of School and College Leaders Magazine, our Senior Research Manager, Dr Emma Moore, explores findings from two research projects examining the relationship between attendance, wellbeing and pupils’ sense of belonging.

The research highlights how a range of factors, including life satisfaction, relationships with trusted adults, family circumstances and wider pressures, can shape a pupil’s experience of school.

It also explores the importance of personalised, sustained support and strong partnerships between schools, families and other services. By recognising the different circumstances pupils may be facing, we can better understand their needs and explore ways to help them feel supported and re-engage with education.

Read the article to explore the research findings and what they could mean for supporting school attendance via the link in the comments 👇

09/10/2026

What can we learn about maths education in England by looking beyond our borders? 🌍

We’re delivering TIMSS 2027 in England - the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study.

TIMSS measures pupils’ mathematics and science attainment, while also exploring their experiences and attitudes towards these subjects. It helps us build a picture of education across England and better understand how this compares with education systems around the world.

Around 300 schools in England will take part in TIMSS 2027, with every participating school helping to build a reliable and representative picture of mathematics and science education.

In a new discussion with the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM), Dr David Thomas, our Senior Research Manager and National Research Coordinator for TIMSS in England, discusses what the study measures, what we’ve learned from previous TIMSS studies and why every pupil’s voice matters.

A huge thank you to all the schools, teachers and pupils taking part in TIMSS. Your time and commitment are making an important contribution to this international study.

Read the full interview via the link in the comments. 👇

07/10/2026

Ahead of the Government's Budget later this year, we submitted policy recommendations to the Treasury's consultation.

Our submission focusses on education policy issues, drawing on our recent research across the education workforce, post-16 education and skills, pupil numbers and SEND.

Our recommendations consider how policy can:
🟣 support the education workforce
🟣 strengthen the skills system
🟣 respond to changing pupil numbers
🟣 and ensure funding better reflects differing levels of need across schools.

We also highlight the importance of making effective use of existing data and investment to support longer-term outcomes for education, employment and the wider economy.

Read the full recommendations via the link in the comments 👇

01/10/2026

NFER Direct 📥

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.

In the latest bulletin, we're also discussing the possible impact of new government measures designed to ease cost-of-living pressures, as well as looking ahead to upcoming events.

Explore our latest findings, insights, resources and upcoming events via the link in the comments 👇

24/09/2026

📢 The new Research Digest is out!

From SEND and pupil wellbeing to teacher retention, disadvantage, attendance and the education workforce, our Research Digest brings together recent research and blogs exploring some of the key issues affecting education.

The Digest highlights key findings and recommendations for policy makers and classroom practice, bringing our latest evidence together in one place.

Explore the Digest via the link in the comments 👇

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SL12DQ

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5:15pm
Tuesday	8am - 5:15pm
Wednesday	8am - 5:15pm
Thursday	8am - 5:15pm
Friday	8am - 5:15pm

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