Some of the highest profile names in education policy and politics will serve on the inquiry board of the Independent Inquiry into White Working-Class Educational Outcomes.

Working alongside the co-chairs, Sir Hamid Patel CBE, Chief Executive of Star Academies and Baroness Estelle Morris, Former Secretary of State for Education (2001-02), will be former education secretary Baroness Nicky Morgan, former director of government relations in 10 Downing Street Baroness Sally Morgan, and the DfE’s current school standards advisor Sir Kevan Collins.

The inquiry board will also include extensive experience in school and college leadership, local government, and sector expertise:

1. James Bowen, Assistant General Secretary, NAHT
2. Anne-Marie Canning MBE, CEO, The Brilliant Club
3. Dame Sally Coates, United Learning
4. Professor Rob Coe, Director of Research and Development at Evidence Based Education
5. Sir Kevan Collins, School Standards Advisor, Non-executive Board Member, Department for Education
6. Steve Crocker OBE, Non-executive Board Member, Department for Education
7. Leora Cruddas CBE, CEO, Confederation of School Trusts
8. Pepe Di’Iasio, General Secretary, ASCL
9. Lucy Heller, CEO, Ark
10. David Hughes CBE, CEO, Association of Colleges
11. Professor Lindsey Macmillan, Founding Director, UCL Centre for Education Policy and Equalising Opportunities (CEPEO)
12. Baroness Nicky Morgan, former Secretary of State for Education (2014-16), member of the House of Lords
13. Baroness Sally Morgan, former Director of Government Relations in 10 Downing Street, member of the House of Lords.
14. Dame Lesley Powell CBE, CEO, North East Learning Trust

The inquiry was commissioned by Star Academies and has Public First as its secretariat.

The Inquiry is an investigation into what is and isn’t working for white working-class children and young people, and importantly, why. Critically, it will be grounded in the reality of schools, colleges, and communities and will seek to understand the views of teachers, leaders, communities, families, and children and young people themselves in order to explore why white working class young people persistently underperform in education.

The Inquiry will take a broad-ranging and in-depth approach to its mixed methods research programme. It will include data analysis, polling, focus groups and immersive research with parents, teachers, children and young people, and communities. It will also make use of both expert evidence and lessons from best practice.

From this, the Inquiry will look to develop recommendations for reform, best practice and interventions that can change outcomes in the long-term for white working-class young people. Once the findings are published next year, Star will explore opportunities for a second phase that supports the practical application of insights in schools and colleges.

Sir Hamid Patel CBE, Chief Executive of Star Academies, said:

“I’m delighted to welcome such a highly respected group of experts to the inquiry board. Together, we will take a fresh, evidence-led look at the persistent challenges facing white working-class pupils and work towards practical solutions that can make a lasting difference.”

Baroness Estelle Morris, former Secretary of State for Education, said:

“I very much welcome this inquiry and am delighted to be part of it. Underachievement in groups of white working class young people has been a problem for far too long, wasting talent and reducing opportunity. I hope that our work can contribute to some of the solutions.”

Richard Oldfield, Chair of The Christopher and Henry Oldfield Trust, said:

“We are proud to support this important inquiry into the educational outcomes of white working-class pupils. Every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive in school, regardless of their background. Understanding the barriers faced by this group, and seeing what can be done to overcome these, are vital steps toward ensuring that no child is left behind.”

Ed Dorrell, Partner in the Education Practice at Public First, said:

“This will unquestionably prove to be one of the most in depth and important pieces of work ever undertaken by the education practice at Public First. The issue of educational underachievement of white working-class is young people is one of the most urgent public policy challenges in this country. With Public First’s approach to research and our commitment to locating our work in the life of everyday schools and real-life places, we feel confident this project can play a role in reversing this depressing trend.”

Notes to editors

For media requests, please contact ed.dorrell@publicfirst.co.uk

For other information or questions related to the Inquiry, please contact inquiry@publicfirst.co.uk

About Public First:

Public First is a policy, research, and strategy consultancy. We help governments, global companies, start-ups, institutions, and foundations tackle major public policy challenges.

We’re a Company Partner of the Market Research Society and members of the British Polling Council. Our team has advised Prime Ministers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs – but our work is always grounded in the views of real people in real communities. We test public opinion around the world and turn insight into actionable policy. We are part of SHGH, which holds the companies Public First, Stonehaven and Robertsbridge.

About Star Academies:

Star Academies is one of the UK’s highest performing multi-academy trusts, with a diverse network of primary and secondary schools across the country.

Star is a values-based organisation that works to improve the life chances of young people in areas of social and economic deprivation to help them succeed at the highest levels of education and employment.

For more information about Star Academies, visit www.staracademies.org

About The Christopher and Henry Oldfield Trust:

The Christopher and Henry Oldfield Trust is a UK-registered charity that supports initiatives addressing some of society’s most pressing challenges. The Trust funds programmes that expand opportunities for disadvantaged young people, reduce offending and reoffending and tackle issues such as homelessness. Through strategic grant-making, the Trust aims to empower communities, foster opportunity, and support long-term, sustainable change.