ESRI critical of cut in pupil research

THE Government’s economic think-tank has stressed the need to continue its survey of school leavers now more than ever, after budget restrictions have forced its abandonment.

The Economic Social and Research Institute (ESRI) said the school leavers’ survey it has conducted almost every year since 1980 gives valuable insights into the factors shaping the educational pathways and attainments of young people’s experiences in school and after they leave.

Dr Selina McCoy, higher research officer at the ESRI, said the decision to cease funding the survey after 30 years has immense implications for the nature of educational research and its role in policy information.