Research Associate
MSc Economics (Distinction), University College London, 2012
BSc Economics and Mathematics (1st Class), University of Bristol, 2007
Ellen joined the IFS in 2009 as a Research Economist in the Education, Employment and Evaluation sector, and she became a Senior Research Economist in 2014. Ellen's research focuses on pupil well-being and attainment, including the impact of a pupil's month of birth and parents' marital status on these outcomes. She has also contributed to a number of large-scale policy evaluations, including the impact of the provision of universal free school meals and an early intervention literacy programme, and is currently leading the evaluation of the Achieve Together pilot. Related to schools and teachers, Ellen has investigated whether parents' preferences for primary schools mean that school choice and competition can help improve academic standards in schools, and is currently leading research into the costs and benefits of different initial teacher training routes.