Improving learner outcomes in GCSE resits in English and maths
This Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) funded project will provide both exploratory and causal evidence to assess the impact of increased classroom teaching hours – triggered by new government expectations and funding regulations – on the proportion of learners achieving a grade 4 or above in their maths and/or English resits.
What is the aim of this research?
To understand the diversity in colleges’ practices in relation to GCSE resit provision and examine how differences in colleges’ practices relate to differences in their students’ GCSE resit outcomes.
Who can take part?
The project will include interviews with college Curriculum Directors and Heads of Maths and English. It will also involve a national survey of colleges, which is likely to involve data managers, Curriculum Directors and Heads of Maths and English. Participants will be invited to take part based on an analysis of administrative and/or survey data.
What type of research is this?
The project utilises a quasi-experimental design (QED). The project involves analysis of NPD/ILR data, development of a theory of change, a large-scale survey of further education colleges, and qualitative interviews with college staff.
What does participation involve?
Participation will involve taking part in a remotely conducted interview and/or completion of an online survey.
How will you benefit from taking part?
This project will offer valuable insights into how colleges are adapting to new DfE funding rules that mandate minimum teaching hours for GCSE resit students. These requirements will be expected in 2024/25 and become a funding condition by 2025/26. All research participants will receive a copy of the final report.
What are the timings for this project?
The project will run from April 2025 to January 2026.
How do you sign up?
Participants will be approached to take part based on a sampling frame.
Who can I contact for more information?
If you would like any additional information or have any further questions, please contact, please contact Matt Walker, NFER Senior Research Manager.