Q&A with Professor John Jerrim
John Jerrim is Professor of Education and Social Statistics, based in the Quantitative Social Science research centre at IOE.
What attracted you to take up your position at IOE?
The fantastic people that are part of the research centre I'm part of (Quantitative Social Science) and the real-world policy impact that they have.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
The freedom to basically say whatever I think - as long as it is evidence-based!
What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?
The recent work I have completed into the mental health and wellbeing of teachers has been a real highlight; we have put so much effort into generating new, unbiased evidence into this issue. Its an emotive area, where high-quality, unbiased evidence is really needed.
Also, a teaching course I have developed into teaching students how to conduct data analysis in the “real world”. I can really see how it helps students take their analytic skills to the next level, so that they can really do data analysis when they graduate from our degree.
What is the focus of your research and what benefits do you hope your discoveries and/or insights will bring?
My main area of work has been international comparisons of education systems. However, I work on a lot of topics now, ranging from mental health and wellbeing, to school inspections and more generally across the social sciences as well.
What's the most important thing you've learned from your students?
That it’s ability to handle data and do robust quantitative analysis which will help them to make a difference and to get a job.
In my opinion, too much time in education and social science teaching is spent learning about abstract theoretical issues, when what we should be doing is training students in learning practical, in-demand skills (such as data analysis).
How do you think being in London benefits your work?
The access to policymakers and the international body of our students.
What other subjects outside of your area of specialism interest you?
Football!
What might it surprise people to know about you?
In the summer holiday between my second and third year of my undergraduate degree I became – for a short period – a nightclub representative in Tenerife.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
UCL has a tremendous group of data scientists and quantitative social science researchers. Looking forward, the research centre that I lead is excited about the possibility of a greater closer working relationship with those in other departments and faculties, to achieve even greater policy impact.
Professor John Jerrim's IRIS research profile
Courses and teaching
On IOE Podcasts
Should the PISA findings be trusted?
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Last updated on 3 December 2025.