Latest Publications

This report assesses the factors that affect the value of apprenticeships, and the emerging evidence on whether the current policy will deliver high value apprenticeships. It argues that government needs to do more to steer the market towards apprenticeships that will deliver good returns and that are resilient to change in the wider economy.

This report examines the current role vocational education plays in preparing young people for higher education, and how students can be helped to pursue the most appropriate learning and career path.

This report, kindly supported by UPP Foundation, analyses the factors that affect student drop-out rates from universities across England.

The report argues that maximising FE and skills’ ability to boost the technical skills of British workers, young and old, should be an urgent priority for politicians

This new research examines student retention rates among higher education institutions in England and looks at whether a focus on student success can help increase course continuation levels.

This second report seeks to understand how taking a vocational qualification affects young people’s career prospects and progression into higher education.

This research examines how take up of vocational courses has changed in recent years; how parents view vocational qualifications; and the issues school leaders contend with when deciding what courses to offer.

This new report from the University of Warwick’s Centre for Competitive Advantage in the Global Economy (CAGE), draws on unique new research looking at the long-term consequences of poor performance in high stakes exams due to random factors not linked to ability.

The SMF has undertaken research to look at what types of apprenticeships create the most value, in terms of both wages and firm performance.