School groups are a key feature of the school system in England and understanding what makes them effective is critical for delivering system-wide improvement. Beginning in 2021, EPI carried out a programme of work examining the characteristics of effective school groups. This programme developed a suite of metrics to assess school group performance across four domains: pupil attainment and progress, pupil inclusion, workforce sustainability, and financial management
In 2025, EPI and Capita convened a series of webinars offering insights into the key challenges currently facing schools. The first webinar focused on workforce sustainability, the second examined the use of technology to support inclusion, and the third explored how schools are responding to constrained budgets and the policy support required to sustain educational provision.
Following this series, EPI and Capita convened a roundtable, bringing together policymakers, school leaders and sector experts to consider how far the schools white paper was likely to address the core issues identified. This report is a summary of the webinars and roundtables that took place prior to the publication of the schools white paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving, in February 2026.
This report reflects participants’ views at that time, while also considering how the white paper aligns with the issues they raised. This paper synthesises these discussions, highlighting both the opportunities within the white paper and the practical considerations for effective implementation. It does not necessarily represent the views of any individual participant, the author of this report, Capita or the Education Policy Institute.
