School workforce
An overview
Our work includes complex process and impact evaluations and large-scale research that generates evidence-based insights to improve outcomes for teachers, schools and pupils. We have expertise in CPD and leadership development, from our four successive evaluations of the National Professional Qualifications through to research that informed the Education Endowment Foundation’s guidance on effective professional development. Assessing the effectiveness of financial incentive schemes is core to our work, exploring how bursaries and retention payments influence career decisions. We explore the deployment and impact of the wider school workforce, including research on supply teachers and teaching assistants. This evidence informs government departments, agencies and education providers, helping them refine policy, strengthen teacher supply and development, and create sustainable solutions to recruitment and retention challenges.
Examples of our work
Researching how teaching assistants are deployed in schools
The challenge
Teaching assistants make up approximately three in ten members of the school workforce and play an important role. Pedagogical evidence demonstrates that teaching assistant interventions can be among the most beneficial for pupil attainment. However, evidence is lacking about how they are recruited, trained and deployed.
Our role
CFE’s large-scale research involved consultation with school leaders, teaching assistants and teachers across primary, secondary and special schools. Delivered via interviews and focus groups, the research explored the reasons schools use teaching assistants, the roles they fulfil, the barriers and enablers to their effective use, and their perceived impact on pupil outcomes in different school phases and settings across England.
Impact
The research addressed gaps in the evidence-base and will inform future policy development by the Department for Education.
Evaluating the National Professional Qualifications
The challenge
The National Professional Qualifications are subject to ongoing development with the 2021 reforms introducing new specialist qualifications, updated content and assessment methods, and an Additional Support Offer for new headteachers. These changes aim to strengthen school leadership and classroom practice to improve pupil outcomes.
Our role
CFE’s comprehensive process and impact evaluation of nine qualifications builds on our three previous studies. It combines a theory-based evaluation with a quasi-experimental approach to assess the impact of the reforms against a detailed theory of change. It includes longitudinal particpant surveys; interviews with participants, line managers and colleagues, and analysis of secondary data.
Impact
The evaluation will provide the Department for Education with timely insights to refine delivery, assess the effectiveness of qualifications, and ensure they continue to strengthen the education workforce and support pupil attainment.
Other sectors we work in
We work across diverse fields, tailoring our research expertise to deliver clear, trusted insights. Our adaptable approach means we apply rigorous research across varied contexts, always focused on learning, clarity, and positive change.
System change
We work with clients to understand how programmes can create lasting change across complex systems. By exploring the connections between local context, the actions taken, and the results achieved, we identify the factors that drive progress and the barriers that hold it back. This insight helps organisations focus resources, strengthen networks, and design approaches that have the best chance of delivering meaningful, long-term change.
Addressing under-representation
Social inclusion is the golden thread that runs through our work. We support organisations to address inequality and boost participation for under-represented groups. Our work spans education, employment and sport, informing policy and practice to promote fairer access, better outcomes and greater diversity.
Let’s work together
Whether you need a long-term evaluation partner or a rapid evidence review, we’re here to help. Get in touch to explore how we can support your goals.
