GovWire

DfE research, together with analysis, data and statistics, aims to provide high-quality evidence to inform policy development and delivery. We conduct and commission research and analysis.

Research engagement

We aim to raise awareness of our current and future research interests with a programme of external research engagement.

Email: research.engagement@education.gov.uk for more information.

Live studies and surveys

Our large, national studies collect data from children and young people as they move through different phases of education. These are known as longitudinal studies and are live, commissioned studies. Strategic, longitudinal surveys include:

• the second Longitudinal Study of Young People in England (LSYPE2)
• Children of the 2020s study
• Five to Twelve
• Growing up in the 2020s

Contact our longitudinal studies team if you have been asked to participate in one of these studies and want to find out more: Team.LONGITUDINAL@education.gov.uk.

We use flexible surveys, known as omnibus surveys, to collect data from a range of respondents regularly throughout the academic year.

These current, strategic surveys include:

• school and college voice
• parent, pupil and learner voice

Omnibus surveys has more information about the current surveys and their results.

Using our data for research

DfE can share the data we collect for research purposes if it meets our legal and ethical framework requirements. We can share the data that we collect from:

• education providers like schools and colleges
• the research done by DfE or through contractors

If you are a researcher use Explore education statistics to find the data you need. Personal data isnt available on Explore education statistics. If you need to access personal data, use Apply for DfE personal data.

Research funding

You can conduct research using DfE and other government data. We cannot respond to speculative approaches for research funding as we commission specific research needs through competitive tender.

Research may be funded by a wider funding organisation. You can find current funding opportunities from:

• Administrative Data Research UK (ADRUK)
• Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
• UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Funding Finder

If you want to tender for research commissioned by DfE, register as a supplier on the following Crown Commercial Services dynamic purchasing systems:

• Low Value Purchase System (contracts under 120,000)
• Research and Insights Marketplace

Research publications

Research reports and official statistics and datasets published since May 2010 are available through our Research and statistics page.

Research published before May 2010 is available from The National Archives.

Quality and standards

All external research must meet the quality standards expected of DfEand wider government researchers and analysts. We ensure quality research and analysis through adhering to the DfE quality assurance framework for analysis (PDF, 688 KB, 49 pages) and government evaluation guidance.

Analysts follow a style guide and template as well as other guidance such as the Analysis Function to ensure that our research is consistent, reliable, and of the highest standard.