Practical guidance to help schools maximise the impact of educational initiatives

The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) has updated its popular "A School's Guide to Implementation" with new research from Cardiff University in collaboration with the University of Exeter and the University of Plymouth.

The study provides recommendations to help ensure new approaches or practices introduced by schools have the biggest possible impact on children and young people’s educational achievements.

While there are many promising approaches to improve student wellbeing, behaviour, and attainment, selecting and implementing the most effective ones for a school's specific needs can be challenging.

Implementation in schools is complex and there was a need to know more about how to do it well. This new research provides practical guidance to help schools overcome these challenges and ensure new initiatives have a lasting impact.

The researchers carried out a review of around 300 existing studies, which was supplemented with 102 surveys completed by school leaders as well as 22 interviews and focus groups.

The research estimated that over half of interventions introduced in school settings are not maintained after two years. This represents significant resources, both financial and time-related, that are not improving pupil outcomes in the medium term.

Dr Jemma Hawkins, a researcher at the Centre for Development, Evaluation, Complexity and Implementation in Public Health Improvement (DECIPHer), said: “The research findings emphasise that effective implementation is an ongoing process which involves making, and acting on, evidence-informed decisions. The research shows that quality implementation amplifies the effectiveness of a range of school-based approaches.”

Dr Darren Moore of the University of Exeter and Principal Investigator of the study said: “Our research shows that schools should view implementation as an ongoing process of adaptation and inquiry, not just a set of steps to follow. This includes revisiting aspects like staff buy-in and data collection throughout the process to ensure successful implementation.

“The research and the corresponding guidance report helps empower schools to put in place conditions that can support implementation and select actions that encourage all individuals involved to engage, reflect, and unite throughout the process.”

Download the research report and access the updated "A School's Guide to Implementation" and free resources to support successful implementation.