Researchers launch new book on improving school systems worldwide for disadvantaged students

Their new book highlights innovative ways through which education systems can be improved, particularly for the lowest-attaining and most disadvantaged students.

In-depth analysis

The researchers have conducted an in-depth investigation of the importance of schooling for young children.

They have carried out large-scale and longitudinal analyses of poverty-related indicators and investigated the measures most suitable and robust for identifying disadvantage in education.

Using these indicators, they identified promising approaches to improving schools for disadvantaged students.

The researchers conducted their fieldwork in the schools of India and Pakistan and presented high-quality evidence on the impact of funding policy initiatives in the book, such as the Pupil Premium funding in England, and the many variations of similar schemes worldwide.

Global implications

The innovative approach presented in the book of identifying the truly disadvantaged in education has global implications for who should receive the benefits of funding and for pupils who struggle to achieve expected educational outcomes.

This will be especially valuable for school systems worldwide struggling to reduce any educational deficit created by Covid-19 lockdowns.

The book will be published on 25^th November and the authors recommend it to students of education policy, sociology of education and educational practices, and all researchers, school leaders, and policy-makers working in education.

Find out more

• Learn more about the work of Professor Stephen Gorard, Professor Beng Huat See and Dr Nadia Siddiqui.
• Order a copy of the book.
• Attend the book launch on 28^th November at the Marriott Hotel in Durham (20% discount on the book).
• Check out our Evidence Centre for Education.
• Interested in studying at Durham? Explore our undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

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We aim to expand the frontiers of educational knowledge and to inspire our students to become the future architects of an equitable and sustainable world. Our students go on to successful careers in a wide range of different sectors.

Feeling inspired? Visit our School of Education webpages to find out more about studying with us.