Inside the EEF: Evidence, Impact, and Implementation with Becky Francis, Mind the Gap, Ep.118 (S6,E16)

About this episode

The episode features a discussion with Professor Becky Francis on the role of evidence in education and the complexities involved in its implementation.

On this episode of Mind the Gap , Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner are joined by Professor Becky Francis, CEO of the Education Endowment Foundation, for a rich and wide-ranging discussion about the role of evidence in improving education - and the complexities that come with it. Becky unpacks how the EEF has evolved from a research-focused organisation into a trusted, sector-facing resource used by the vast majority of schools. The conversation explores the power - and limits - of randomised controlled trials, the importance of meta-analysis and implementation, and why teaching can be considered a “best bets” profession shaped by context and professional judgement. Along the way, they tackle big questions around social justice, student grouping and attainment, the risks of initiative overload, and how teachers can engage meaningfully with evidence without oversimplifying it. Looking ahead, Becky highlights key frontiers for research: AI, SEND, and school improvement at scale - making this an insightful and thought-provoking episode for anyone interested in how evidence can genuinely inform practice without losing sight of the realities of the classroom. Professor Becky Francis CBE…

People in this episode

Hosts: Tom Sherrington, Emma Turner

Guest: Becky Francis

Topics covered

• evidence in education
• randomised controlled trials
• meta-analysis
• social justice
• student grouping
• attainment
• initiative overload
• AI in education
• SEND
• school improvement

Keywords

• Education Endowment Foundation
• research
• teaching profession
• professional judgement

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Education Endowment Foundation

Books & works: Inside the EEF: Evidence, Impact, and Implementation, Mind the Gap

Places: UK

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