This funding round is part of EEF’s reinvigorated commissioning approach. Funding rounds will now have particular topic foci and fund projects within selected themes under these topics, ensuring that we are focusing on funding projects to answer the most important questions as suggested by the existing evidence base, prioritising the areas that are likely to be most beneficial for socio-economically disadvantaged children.

We are interested in applications for this funding round in Post-16 interventions designed to support practitioners and learners in GSCE Maths and English re-sits, in post-16 settings (Further Education and Sixth Form Colleges).

The attainment gap grows as learners progress through the education system, meaning that it is at its widest when learners reach the Post-16 stage. Failing to achieve a standard pass in GCSE Maths or English has significant impacts on learners’ lives, and the EEF is keen to support further research in a sector where evidence of ​‘what works’ could be highly impactful. Further information about this theme can be found in the guidance notes below.

In previous EEF funding rounds, there has been one application form for all applications. This round sees the launch of a new approach, with two separate forms depending on the stage of development of the project – one for Development and Pilot projects, and one for Efficacy and Effectiveness trials.

• Development projects: applications that are suitable for the Development route will require support to further develop or codify their programme and will be ready to adapt, package and deliver in around 8 – 12 settings.
• Pilots: applications selected for a pilot study will require minimal development work. The programme should be ready to be tested for trial feasibility through a pilot.
• Efficacy trials: projects that are suited for an impact trial, delivering in around 50 settings.
• Effectiveness trials: projects that have a positive outcome from a causal impact evaluation and/​or have already established a consistent delivery model at a large scale.

The decision tree below is designed to support applicants to understand which application route is best suited to them:

If you’ve answered mostly As, use the Development and Pilot application form – it might be that your programme is more suitable for Development.

If you’ve answered mostly Bs, use the Development/​Pilot application form – it might be that your programme is more suitable for a Pilot.

If you’ve answered mostly Cs, use the Efficacy and Effectiveness application form.

You can access the Development and Pilot application form here.

You can access the Efficacy and Effectiveness application form here.