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:
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Educational Provision for 14-16-year-olds in Further Education in England
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Green Skills Adult Education in London - Greater London Authority (GLA)
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Higher Level Skills in London - Greater London Authority (GLA)
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Mapping the Higher Technical Landscape – The Gatsby Foundation
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Developing outcome measures for the Devolution of the Adult Education Budget – Greater Manchester Combined Authority
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Development of a Technical Industry Placement Model – Gatsby Foundation
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Local Impact of College based Higher Education – Education and Training Foundation
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Local Area Based Review Support – DfE
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Evaluation of Community Learning Pilots – DfE
Quality statement
As a Company Partner of the Market Research Society and registered 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
Latest HERA Update- 2023/24 Apprenticeship Data Now Available
18th December 2024 by Ummehabiba Suleman
News & Events
Welcoming The First Benchmarking Cycle Of The 2024/25 Academic Year
5th December 2024 by Ummehabiba Suleman