Education and skills

How has entry into the public sector among graduates from top universities changed following the growth of finance, tech and consulting?

Recent fall in youth employment is approaching the decline seen during COVID and the 2008 financial crisis.

Drawing on the IFS Deaton Review of inequalities, this report sets out a policy toolkit and applications to education, jobs, geography and wealth.

This comment compares the political parties’ main proposals for schools in Wales at the upcoming 2026 Welsh elections.

There have been increasing calls for reform of Plan 2 student loans, but there are no easy options for the Chancellor.

A look at Welsh funding, tax powers, public services and the hard fiscal trade-offs facing whoever forms the next government.

Scotland has more funding and more powers, but the next Holyrood government still faces tough choices on tax, spending and public services.

A cap on maximum interest rates will see less interest added to the Plan 2 student loan balances of higher-earning graduates from September 2026.  

A manifesto with more spending for priorities, but which also increases the chance of cuts to some other areas.

A plan bold in ambition, but lacking in fiscal credibility

This comment analyses the government’s new youth employment package, which expands youth wage subsidies and introduces apprenticeship reforms.

Christine Farquharson's presentation to Nursery World Business Summit

Welsh health and education systems are underperforming – with cuts to spending on some public services likely post-election.

Which graduates would repay less under different reforms to Plan 2 student loans, and when? And how much might these proposals cost taxpayers?