On 24th March 2025, the Education Policy Institute (EPI) will hold our 2025 Annual Lecture which we’re delighted to announce will be delivered by Professor Anna Vignoles CBE FBA, Director of the Leverhulme Trust.
Professor Vignoles will be sharing her thoughts and expertise on what is needed from government policy to close disadvantage gaps:
Stark inequalities in education and skills persist in the UK. The education achievement gap between rich and poor students remains substantial, limiting individuals’ prospects and constraining our economy. Regional disparities in skills are also pronounced, with some areas benefiting from a highly skilled workforce that attracts investment and high-wage jobs, while others face lower productivity and economic stagnation.
To address these challenges, policy must focus on where the need is greatest, namely education to employment pathways for those not pursuing a degree route and reskilling the millions already in the workforce who will need to adapt to a rapidly evolving labour market. Policy solutions will need to be geographically targeted, narrow socio-economic achievement gaps and create incentives for businesses to invest in skill development outside of already prosperous regions.
The lecture will be chaired by EPI’s CEO Natalie Perera with a welcome from Dr Molly Jones, Director of Policy at The British Academy. It will be followed by an opportunity for networking and open conversation with colleagues on this critical challenge for the sector and how we can work in partnership to support all young people to thrive.
We are very grateful to the British Academy for kindly hosting this event.
** This is a private invitation-only event**
