Our Research

We often work with external partners to conduct research on trends and particular policy issues regarding skills, adult education and employment. Here you will find our research reports across a range of policy topics.

Effective practice in English and maths for adult learners in London January 2023 The Greater London Authority (GLA) commissioned the Learning and Work Institute to undertake research into the barriers to participation and achievement in basic English and maths training (at level 2 and below) and highlight examples of good practice that can be used to support London’s Adult Education Budget (AEB) providers to deliver improved social and economic outcomes for learners.

AEB Evaluation Final Report May 2022 IFF Research finalised their report covering the evaluation of the Adult Education Budget (AEB) in the 2020-21 Academic Year.

Social prescribing into adult education in London research March 2022 The Greater London Authority (GLA) commissioned Learning and Work Institute to undertake a mapping exercise of social prescribing to adult education to improve Londoners’ mental health.

More than just education: A Participatory Action Research project on adult education in London February 2022 This is a Toynbee Hall report on adult education commissioned by the Greater London Authority (GLA) to inform the preparation of the Mayor’s Skills Roadmap for London.

Green Skills Adult Education Provision in London January 2022 The GLA commissioned independent research into the green skills which are expected to grow in demand as London moves to net zero.

Work Experience and Contextual Admissions in London’s Higher Education Institutions November 2021 The GLA commissioned CFE Research to carry out qualitative research into the provision of work experience for students and the use of contextual admissions in higher education institutions in London.

Higher Level Skills in London October 2020 This research, commissioned by the GLA, establishes a stronger evidence base regarding the place and value of higher level skills (courses, apprenticeships, and qualifications at levels 4 and 5) in London.

Independent Evaluation of the First Year of AEB Delivery September 2020 The GLA commissioned IFF Research to conduct an independent evaluation of the first year of AEB delivery after delegation of the AEB to the Mayor in 2019.

London’s Post 16 Trajectories July 2020 To establish a clearer understanding of what is driving post-16 education choices and performance in the capital, the GLA and London Councils commissioned Mime and the UCL Institute of Education to conduct research which tracked the pathways of 355,000 London residents from age 15 to 18.

Increasing Higher Education Retention in London March 2019 The GLA commissioned the Social Market Foundation to look at the reasons behind the non-continuation (drop-out) rate of undergraduates studying at London’s higher education institutions.

London Post 16 Send Review March 2019 In 2019 the GLA commissioned education specialists Mime to provide an up-to-date picture of supply and demand of Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) provision for 16-25 year olds in London.

Mapping ESOL Provision in Greater London May 2017 In February 2017, Learning and Work was commissioned by the Greater London Authority to undertake a mapping exercise of formal and informal provision of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) in London, and undertake work to identify the language learning needs of resettled Syrian refugees in London.

London Adult Community Learning Review Report March 2017 A 2017 report making recommendations for developing a long-term plan for Adult Community Learning in London.

Digital Talent Programme Research and Resources 2016 – 2018 A range of reports that helped shape the development and direction of the Mayor’s Digital Talent programme.