Exeter College selected for national Evidence Partnership to boost Teaching and Learning with research 

Exeter College has been announced as one of six founding institutions in the Evidence Partnership, a new national initiative launched by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF). The Partnership is designed to help colleges across England access, understand, and apply research evidence to improve teaching and learning. 

With growing demand in the 16-19 sector for evidence on what works, both to support learners effectively and to make the best use of limited resources, the Partnership brings together diverse colleges united in their commitment to strengthening evidence use. Together, they will explore practical ways to ensure every learner benefits from high-quality, evidence-informed teaching. 

The Partnership will have a particular focus on improving outcomes for disadvantaged learners, ensuring that those who face the greatest barriers have access to the best possible education. 

James Wilson, Head of Teaching and Learning at Exeter College, said: 
 
“We are delighted to have been chosen by the EEF as a partner college for the 16–19 Evidence Partnership. As well as providing our staff with further insight and development opportunities, we greatly look forward to working with other colleges in the South West to help build and mobilise an evidence base for pedagogy within FE. 

“Really importantly, this will also further develop our support for learners from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.” 

Through the Evidence Partnership, Exeter College and the other founding colleges will: 

• Develop strong regional networks with 16-19 settings and other partners to increase collaboration across the sector 

• Communicate and share evidence-informed resources and approaches with colleges nationwide 

• Bridge the gap between research and practice through clear, actionable examples of how evidence can be applied in real college settings 

• Help shape the work of the EEF by building a shared understanding of the sector’s priorities. 

Emily Yeomans, co-CEO of the EEF, said  

“The 16–19 phase is a pivotal stage for young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, as they work towards achieving their full potential and securing vital qualifications. 

“There is clear appetite across the sector for stronger evidence that speaks directly to the challenges colleges face, enabling them to use their resources more effectively and better support their learners. By building a collaborative partnership, where members can share practice and embed evidence use, we aim to help reduce the entrenched inequalities that many young people still experience across the country. 

“We are delighted to be working with Exeter College and our other partner colleges to launch this new evidence partnership.” 

To find out more about the Evidence Partnership, visit the EEF’s 16–19 hub. You can also stay up to date with the work of the Partnership and be the first to hear about opportunities to collaborate with an Evidence Partner College by signing up to the EEF’s dedicated 16–19 newsletter. 
 
Alternatively, please contact Exeter College’s Teaching and Learning team at TandL@exe-coll.ac.uk.