Attainment gaps between students eligible and not eligible for free school meals at different stages of the education system in England, 2022/23 academic year

podcast

We explore family life in the UK, rising child poverty, pressures on social care, and the government’s Opportunity Mission to support every child.

5 September 2025

podcast

From attainment to absences, SEND to well-being, we assess the state of England’s schools and the Opportunity Mission’s promise to level the field.

21 August 2025

event 21 January 2026 at 10:30

The online launch of 2026 IFS Annual Report on Education Spending in England, funded by the Nuffield Foundation.

report

How do trends, demographics and outcomes of children receiving support for health conditions compare across the benefits and education systems?

3 October 2025

press release

The share of children receiving SEND support has nearly doubled in a decade, with spending set to reach £21 billion by 2029

3 October 2025

report

Despite significantly reducing the benefit entitlements of larger families, the two-child limit had no effect on children’s school readiness

24 September 2025

journal article

This paper uses administrative data linking school and tax records to study migration in people's early careers.

2 January 2026

journal article

This paper investigates how the link between opportunity and childhood varies in England.

23 December 2025

working paper

We find that parental time investments increase children's human capital, but parents also enjoy time spent with children more than work.

1 July 2025