Senior Researcher, Vulnerable Learners and Post 16

The Education Policy Institute (EPI) is an independent, impartial and evidence-based research institute that aims to promote high quality education outcomes for all children and young people, regardless of social background. We’re known for producing research that both informs and influences public debate and policy making. We employ a team of dedicated quantitative researchers from a range of academic backgrounds and communication experts who produce high quality research and ensure that it reaches a wide range of audiences, including the top level of government and the national media.

About the Vulnerable Learners and Post 16 Team

At the age of 16, young people in England face a wide range of pathways, including vocational and technical routes, apprenticeships and A levels. Many progress to higher education (HE), while others re-enter education and training later in their working lives. The team’s work aims to provide robust evidence base on issues such as funding, attainment, qualification reform and access to HE. We assess the extent to which England’s post 16 provision prepares people for life and employment. The team also leads analysis on the opportunities and outcomes of more vulnerable groups across the education system, from early years through to young adulthood.

Our work addresses questions such as:

• How effectively and equitably is post 16 provision in England giving young people the skills and knowledge needed to contribute to the economy and society?
• How are further and higher education provision and access changing, and which groups of young people are helped or harmed as a result?
• How have societal events such as the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis affected educational outcomes?
• How has qualification reform changed the nature and accessibility of post 16 education?

The position

EPI is seeking a Senior Researcher to join the Post 16 and Vulnerable Learners team. The postholder will contribute to, and at times lead, priority projects across the post 16 landscape, supporting work on education pathways, access, skills, and learner outcomes. This includes projects with a particular focus on the needs and outcomes of vulnerable learners. As part of their remit, the postholder will also have ongoing responsibility for EPI’s HE research programme, continuing to shape and expand EPI’s HE agenda. Higher education remains a central component of the education policy debate, particularly in the context of cost‑of‑living pressures, fees and funding, and persistent inequalities in access for disadvantaged groups.

In their first six months in post, the Senior Researcher will support work to strengthen the evidence base on the experiences and challenges faced by young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in post 16 education. They will also contribute to projects examining post 16 drivers of student outcomes, qualification clustering and pathways, and EPI’s flagship annual report. The postholder will have line management responsibility for a Researcher and will report to Sam Tuckett, Associate Director for 16–19 education.

Key responsibilities

• Undertaking quantitative analysis, using large administrative datasets
• Developing, testing and collaborating on the identification of policy solutions
• Communicating findings to policymakers, the education sector and mainstream media
• Leading the project management of research
• Building EPI’s HE research funding stream over time
• Maintaining and developing EPI’s HE network and leading on EPI’s commentary on HE policy

The postholder will also develop expertise in matched education and employment outcome data, including Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO), to inform research on the longer‑term outcomes associated with different higher and further education pathways.

We pay Senior Researchers £38,000 – £45,000 depending on experience. We also offer:

• 30 days annual leave (with additional leave for bank holidays and the period of office closure between Christmas and New Year)
• 8–10% employer pension contributions
• The opportunity to work flexibly, including part‑time, or on secondment.
• Cycle‑to‑work and season travel ticket schemes

This role is subject to the satisfactory completion of a six‑month probation period. We welcome applications from all under‑represented communities and groups. As part of our commitment to increasing diversity within both our own workforce and the policy‑making sector in general, we offer pre‑application discussions to all candidates, including Minority Ethnic candidates and all candidates with disabilities, who would like to speak to someone about the role in advance. Please contact molly.reynolds@epi.org.uk for more details.

Requirements

• Excellent quantitative skills with knowledge across a range of statistical and/or econometric techniques. You will have either completed a strong numerate degree or be able to demonstrate equivalent relevant experience
• The ability to build and maintain relationships with external partners, developing networks and sharing knowledge and ideas
• Experience of leading research projects that result in clear and actionable policy recommendations
• The ability to mentor and support a direct report, helping to build confidence and analytical capability
• The ability to generate new and innovative ideas to ensure the research programme remains relevant and of public interest
• Confident and professional communication skills, both for drafting reports and for getting out and explaining the research to educators, policy makers, and journalists
• A strong understanding of the UK (particularly English) higher education system and the associated research base
• Experience using data analysis software and platforms, such as R and Github, is highly desirable

Location

EPI is based in central London, on Buckingham Palace Road. Our offices are very well connected, situated just five minutes away from Victoria Station. We operate a hybrid working model, with the option to work remotely up to two days a week.

Why should you apply

• The opportunity to work in one of the UK’s most influential education research institutes
• The chance to contribute to work supporting fairer education outcomes for vulnerable groups of young people
• Competitive pay, with generous holiday entitlement and benefits
• Flexible working hours
• Opportunities for professional development within a highly motivated and committed team

How to apply

To apply please complete the following application form: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/EPISeniorResearcher2026/ Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in a two‑stage interview process. The Education Policy Institute recognises and wants to meet fully the aims and commitments set out in its equality policy. This includes not discriminating under the Equality Act 2010, and building an accurate picture of the make‑up of the workforce in encouraging equality and diversity. We need your help and co‑operation to do this, by filling out a short questionnaire at the end of the job application form. This questionnaire is entirely voluntary. Any information you do provide will stay confidential and will be stored securely. Only those monitoring job advertising and staff movement will have access to the data. Staff involved in sifting and interviewing for the post will not see your questionnaire. If you do not wish to complete the questionnaire, please click through the pages without submitting answers to reach the end of the application form. Applications close at 17:00pm on Monday 25th May 2026.