Research and analysis

Research at DfE

The Department for Education’s research interests, studies and available data.

Department for Education (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.

DfE’s areas of research interest publication sets out our research priorities.

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: 

Email 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 (also known as ‘Your Childcare’)

As part of the evaluation of the expanded childcare entitlements, DfE is running an online childcare survey to seek the views and experiences of parents who have recently applied for funded childcare for working families. We will be contacting parents 6 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.  

This research is currently live for Wave 5 of the survey. Around 30,000 parents have been randomly selected from those who applied for working families childcare entitlements between September and December 2025, and have received letters inviting them to complete the survey.

If you have any queries about 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 we collect from:

  • education providers, such as schools and colleges
  • the research carried out by DfE or through contractors

If you are a researcher, use Explore education statistics to find the data you need.

Personal data is not 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:

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 on our Research and statistics page.

Research published before May 2010 is available in the National Archives.

Quality and standards

All external research must meet the quality standards expected of DfE and wider government researchers and analysts. We ensure quality research and analysis through adhering to the DfE quality assurance framework and government evaluation guidance.

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

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