Research and analysis

Evaluation of virtual school heads (VSHs) and pupil premium

Evaluation of the virtual school heads national extension to all children with a social worker and evaluation of the Pupil Premium Plus post-16 programme.

• From: Department for Education
• Published: 15 December 2022
• Last updated: 24 March 2026 — See all updates

Applies to England

Documents

Pupil Premium Plus post-16 evaluation: final report

Ref: ISBN 978-1-83870-770-5, RR1612

PDF, 2.15 MB, 227 pages

Evaluation of the extension of virtual school heads’ duties to children with a social worker (final report)

Ref: ISBN 978-1-83870-681-4, RR1542

PDF, 2.98 MB, 250 pages

Phase two: Pupil Premium Plus post-16 evaluation (interim report)

Ref: ISBN 978-1-83870-575-6, RR1450

PDF, 1.32 MB, 190 pages

Phase two: evaluation of the extension of virtual school heads’ duties to children with a social worker (interim report)

Ref: ISBN 978-1-83870-547-3, RR1417

PDF, 852 KB, 119 pages

Phase one: evaluation of the virtual school head’s extension of duties to children with a social worker and the post-16 Pupil Premium Plus pilot

Ref: ISBN 978-1-83870-395-0, RR 1286

PDF, 1.33 MB, 171 pages

Details

Phases one and two of the evaluation address:

• how the programmes have been implemented
• how stakeholders have responded
• barriers and facilitators to delivery
• early signs of success

The findings have informed how these programmes have been delivered and provide evidence to:

• the Department for Education
• virtual school heads
• allied stakeholders

Published 15 December 2022

Last updated 24 March 2026 + show all updates

1. 24 March 2026

   Added 'Pupil Premium Plus post-16 evaluation: final report'.

2. 31 August 2025

   Added 'Evaluation of the extension of virtual school heads’ duties to children with a social worker (final report)'.

3. 27 September 2024

   Added 'Phase two: Pupil Premium Plus post-16 evaluation (interim report)'.

4. 25 April 2024

   Added 'Phase two: evaluation of the extension of virtual school heads’ duties to children with a social worker (interim report)'.

5. 15 December 2022

   First published.