Research that answers the questions that matter
Independent research, evaluation and analysis for Further Education — helping organisations understand what works, demonstrate impact and make better decisions.
How we can support you
Commission FEthink to investigate a challenge, evaluate an intervention or programme, analyse evidence, or produce research that informs policy and practice.
Impact evaluation
Evaluate programmes, interventions and initiatives to understand what changed, what worked and why.
Educational research
Commission qualitative, quantitative or mixed-method research into the issues affecting Further or Higher Education.
Strategic research & reports
Turn complex evidence into authoritative reports that support strategy, policy and organisational decision-making.
Workforce & sector research
Investigate workforce, professional practice, skills, inspection trends, teacher retention, well-being and other challenges facing FE.
Professional standards & policy research
Research, develop and evaluate professional standards, frameworks and policy initiatives.
Five reasons to trust our work
- Our experts are doctoral-level analysts and specialists in mixed-methods and quantitative assessments of complex social situations.
- Our staff have managed multi-million pound government evaluation contracts.
- Our research is grounded in sustained academic and professional engagement with Further Education.
- We conduct research in some of the FE sector's greatest challenges: professionalism, teaching quality, professional development, teacher retention and social value.
- Our clients speak highly of our work and enjoy working with us.
Research in Action
Our research connects the challenges facing education professionals with evidence that can inform policy, improve practice and shape better decisions.
Recent projects
Strategic planning and funding development for accelerated-learning programmes supporting teaching staff in primary and secondary schools.
ETF Professional Standards
The authoring of the Education and Training Foundation's Professional Standards for Teachers and Trainers in Further Education.
The Impact of Initial Teacher Training
Examining the impact of studying teacher training qualifications on teacher capability and progression.
Our Impact on FE Practice
“In our 'Leading Professionalism’ seminar series, the stagnation of tired definitions of professionalism (and the associated accountability practices) across the last few decades were laid bare, as was the need to cultivate change; skilfully articulated by Dr Paul Tully’s vision to inspire professionalism ‘from within’ through the recently updated Education and Training Foundation’s Professional Standards (ETF, 2022).”
(Donovan et al, 2023).
Dr Christina Donovan, Edge Hill University
Testimonial
Let's Think Council, Education Charity
"The Let's Think Charity employed Dr Tully to support them in developing a strategic plan. From the beginning, Dr Tully went above and beyond what we expected. He prepared a thorough overview of possible ways forward in a pre-meeting before we contracted his services. He facilitated a meeting with key stakeholders with great skill and expertise ensuring all voices were heard and providing helpful prompts to deepen our thinking. The final report was detailed with very clear actions we are already enacting. All members of our charity were impressed with Dr Tully's work and we'd have no hesitation in recommending him."
Michael Walsh, Chairman
“What do you need to find out?”
Bring us the question, challenge or idea. FEthink can design the research, gather and analyse the evidence, and turn the findings into something you can use.
Explore FEthink's Research Centre
A growing library of reports, statistics and policy documents charting the development of Further Education — bringing important sector evidence together in one place.
Selected Publications
Tully, P., Swindells, J. & McKenzie, J. (2025). How can we improve apprenticeship delivery? The results of a national workforce development program, Journal of Vocation, Technology and Education, 2(38),
DOI:10.54844/vte.2025.0950
Tully, P. (2024). 'What is social value, and why is it important?' FE News, 11 July 2024.
Maylor, H., Smith, V. & Tully, P. (2024). Further Education and Skills: Changing Systems of Change. London: Education and Training Foundation.
Tully, P. (2023). 'Mission Impossible? A Strategic Approach to Improving FE Teacher Recruitment & Retention'. Journal of Education and Training. 66 (5): 510–523.
https://doi.org/10.1108/ET-04-2023-0130
Tully, P. (2023). 'Collaborating Globally for a Net Zero Future', London: Education and Training Foundation
Tully, P. (2023). 'The importance of economic, social and cultural capital in understanding professionalism in English Further Education'. Journal of Post-Compulsory Education, pp.505-529.
Tully, P. & Chen. J. (2022). Transforming Professionalism and Practice for Teachers and Trainers, Intuition - Summer Edition, Education and Training Foundation.
Tully, P. (2022). 'Below the surface: power and professionalism in the further education sector'. Journal of Post-Compulsory Education, pp.26-47.
Tully, P & Dowell, A. (2022). The Professional Standards for Teachers in Further Education. London: Education and Training Foundation.
Tully, P. (2022). 'Joining the dots: theorising professionalism in the further education sector'. Journal of Post-Compulsory Education, pp.66-97.
Tully, P. (2020). Behind the Curtain: An Exploration of Professionalism and Capital in Further Education. PhD thesis. Falmer: University of Brighton.
