Research
Providing high quality and unrivalled insight into the post-16 education and skills sector.
With more than 25 years experience, we are well respected and trusted within the post-16 education and skills sector for delivering high quality and reliable research methodologies to support national, regional and local policy formation and evaluation.
RCU offers a full range of quantitative and qualitative research techniques. Our particular strength is in data analysis with extensive knowledge of learner datasets such as the Individualised Learner Record (ILR), National Pupil Database (NPD) and HESA.
Our research clients and partners
Organisations we have worked with include the Department for Education, the Association of Colleges, the Education and Skills Funding Agency, the Education and Training Foundation, The Gatsby Foundation and several Combined Authorities.
Recent projects include:
Green Skills Adult Education in London - Greater London Authority (GLA)
Higher Level Skills in London - Greater London Authority (GLA)
Mapping the Higher Technical Landscape – The Gatsby Foundation
Developing outcome measures for the Devolution of the Adult Education Budget – Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Development of a Technical Industry Placement Model – Gatsby Foundation
Local Impact of College based Higher Education – Education and Training Foundation
Local Area Based Review Support – DfE
Evaluation of Community Learning Pilots – DfE
Quality statement
As a Company Partner of the Market Research Society and accredited to the prestigious international research industry standard ISO 20252, we apply the latest techniques of research and analysis to our work and adhere to strict codes of professional ethics. Key staff are Accredited researchers by the Office of National Statistics (ONS). If you would like to view a copy of our ISO 202052 statement of applicability click here.
Latest news and insights
News & Events
MiDES Higher Education Benchmarked Report for Colleges
2nd June 2023 by Chris Lee