Top policy priorities

Evidence-based policy change is urgently needed. Drawing on the breadth of our work, we have identified three top priorities for action.

High quality early years education for all

How the next government can prevent widening inequality in access and a deterioration in quality of provision.

Read our policy briefing

A national strategy to close the attainment gap

School funding, great teaching, access to tutoring and tackling poverty are key to closing the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers.

Read our policy briefing

A more progressive student finance system

Maintenance grants should be re-introduced and overall maintenance levels should be increased, to reflect the true cost of living.

Read our policy briefing

Latest policy news

Our insights on the latest policy developments and announcements.

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05 Jul 2024

Sutton Trust analysis reveals historic sea change in the education background of the party of government

Our analysis of the educational backgrounds of MPs elected in the 2024 General Election.

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05 Jul 2024

The stomping ground of the political elite: Why does Oxford produce so many Prime Ministers?

Why have so many Prime Ministers been educated at one institution?

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03 Jul 2024

Why the next government must champion social mobility

Our Alumni Leadership Board member, Maisie, discusses education policy ahead of the election.

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01 Jul 2024

Inequality in the UK: what do young people think?

How do young Brits view social mobility, opportunity and inequality?

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27 Jun 2024

Is social mobility on the ballot?

What do the British public think about social mobility?

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20 Jun 2024

What have the main parties pledged for students?

Assessing the policy proposals put forward by the main parties on higher education.

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Research & Policy analysis

Our agenda-setting research and analysis examines the state of play from the early years right up to the workplace, with practical policy solutions for the next government.

Parliamentary Privilege 2024

What are the educational backgrounds of the new MPs elected to the House of Commons?

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Cabinet Analysis 2024

Our analysis of the educational backgrounds of Sir Kier Starmer's first cabinet.

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Fair Opportunity for All

Our evidence-backed and costed roadmap for the next government to improve social mobility.

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Social Mobility and Opportunity: What the Public Thinks

Latest polling on public attitudes to inequality, social mobility and fairness.

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Selective Comprehensives 2024

Our latest research highlighting the issues with school admissions.

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Student Maintenance Analysis 2023

Are current maintenance levels enough to support university students?

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School Funding and Pupil Premium 2024

Shedding light on the growing funding pressures on schools.

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Cost of Living and University Students

How are students being impacted by the increasing cost of living?

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Advocating for social mobility

Read about our latest work to inform and influence change.

21 Mar 2024

Taken for granted? Reforming student maintenance

Unpacking the conclusions from our policy briefing on student maintenance.

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22 Feb 2024

Closing the attainment gap should be a priority for the next government

Kevin Latham analyses the findings from our policy briefing on the attainment gap.

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24 Jan 2024

Lack of policy action risks widening attainment gap and worsening the quality of education for all young children

More from our General Election policy briefing on the early years.

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22 Nov 2023

Sutton Trust comment on the Autumn Statement

The Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, delivered the Autumn Statement this month.

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06 Jul 2023

Sutton Trust response to Labour’s Opportunity Mission speech

Our Founder, Sir Peter Lampl, responds to Labour's Opportunity Mission speech.

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Events

Our General Election events bring together expert panels to discuss the priorities for the next government and explore the latest developments.

General Election 2024: What's in store for education?

Assessing the education-related pledges put forward in the main parties' manifestos, what the key gaps are and what this means for education over the next Parliament.

Watch the recording

General Election 2024: What are the prospects for early years education?

Our expert panel explores what policymakers have in store for the early years ahead of the election.

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General Election 2024: What will it take to close the attainment gap?

Taking a closer look at the primary drivers of the attainment gap and what can be done to close the gap between pupils.

Watch the recording