Summary
This report assesses the current state of educational research about formal education in schools and colleges up to the age of 18 in the UK and its roles within the broader education ecosystem. In particular, it considers the flows of people, funding and information through the ecosystem. This analysis highlights areas where flows are missing or need to be strengthened; uncovers tensions or barriers between the actors in the ecosystem that need to be addressed; and identifies facilitators that would enable improvements in the ecosystem. Building on that ecosystem approach, this report sets out some necessary actions that will enable research to better inform the evolution of the education ecosystem.
The report is the culmination of a four-year collaborative project between the British Academy and the Royal Society, under the governance of an expert working group chaired by Sir Alan Wilson FBA FRS.