IOE Stories. For Life.

Our work cuts across education, social sciences and culture. Read about how we embrace collaboration and encourage a thirst for knowledge to shape tomorrow's world.

Nursery children sat around a table with teacher with yellow fingerprint and 120 roundel

Providing a better future for children

From 1997-2014, a major UK study led by IOE, UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society, with the University of Oxford, investigated the impact of early years education on children at school and beyond.

Teacher talking to secondary pupil and pointing to work in exercise book

Addressing extremism through the classroom

As concerns grow about the scale radical content young people are coming across online, IOE, UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society, is working to create a more open and tolerant society.

Small child standing in front of chalkboard with yellow fingerprint and 120 roundel

Ensuring children get the best start

Over the past 20 years there has been an increase in inspection and testing in early years education. This leads to questions about what the advantages and aims of early years education are.

Secondary school pupils raising their hands in class with white text 'Beginning conversations.'

Exploring the politics of education

Recent global events have sparked concern about democracy’s continued existence, raising questions about how we can ensure democratic values are embraced by future generations so democracy can survive.

Hand holding glass ball reflecting different perspective of street with white text 'Understanding perspectives.'

Understanding meaning

For decades IOE has been at the heart of work in the philosophy of education and this continues to this day through the Centre for Philosophy of Education.

Changing the face of politics

There is a class divide in young people’s access to political activities such as school councils, leading to unequal engagement in politics. We are leading the conversation around equal participation in democracy.

Teenage girl using laptop with white text ‘Building Skills. For Life.’

Building skills for the future

Major advancements in technology are changing the world of work and global economies. We are working to ensure people learn new skills to meet the evolving needs of the future.

Girl in a red jumper looking out of the window with 'improving mental health' written in white text

Improving young people’s mental health

Through our research and engagement, we are leading the way in investigating young people’s mental health and shining a light on the challenges they face.

White teenager holding his hands together with IOE 120 roundel and white text 'Boosting health. For Life.'

Boosting children’s health

IOE researchers are increasing our knowledge base to improve children's health.

Nurse placing sticker on patient following vaccination with 120 roundel and white text 'Using evidence. For Life'

Mapping evidence to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic

Mapping the latest health evidence to inform government policy.

Male and female colleagues sat at desk together laughing with 'opening opportunities' in white text

Improving employment prospects for autistic adults

IOE academics have been working with organisations on a programme that hires autistic graduates and raises awareness of steps to improve inclusivity in the workplace.

Child running through tunnel in the school playground

Seeing the importance of breaktimes for children’s development

School breaktimes are shortening. Our researchers are highlighting the importance of breaks in helping children to interact with peers and develop important social skills.

Child’s legs jumping on wooden blocks in a school playground with white text ‘Confronting disadvantage.’

Tackling food poverty

Food poverty is increasing in the UK. IOE academics are working to raise awareness of families’ experiences and change government policies so that children no longer have to experience food poverty.

Young people in conversation looking at laptops with white text ‘Equality. For Life.’

Addressing unstable employment for millennial ethnic minorities

Inequalities between different ethnic groups remains a critical issue in the UK workforce. Our researchers examined employment prospects of millennials from different ethnic groups in the UK and the impact of their employment status on their mental health.