Department For Education
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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.
Childcare experiences survey
As part of the evaluation of the Expanded Childcare Entitlements, the Department for Education are running an online childcare survey to seek the views and experiences of parents who have recently applied for funded childcare for working families. 40,000 parents have been randomly selected from those who applied for working families childcare entitlements between April to August 2024. We will be contacting parents six months later to identify any changes in circumstances, subject to consent. Responses to this survey will help inform how future childcare policies are delivered and findings will feed directly into the commissioned evaluation of the new entitlement offer.
Depending on the success of the current cohort, from February 2025 we may be running this survey for 6 waves in total, over 2 years. Parents who apply for working families childcare entitlements during this period may receive invitations to take part in future surveys.
If you have any queries regarding the survey or evaluation, email the team at Your.childcare@education.gov.uk.
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 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.