Jack Worth

Lead Economist, National Foundation for Educational Research

An expert researcher and commentator on the school workforce, Jack’s research aims to understand changes in the recruitment, retention, development and diversity of teachers in the UK. A specialist with analysing large datasets including the School Workforce Census and Labour Force Survey, Jack uses statistical analysis to gain insights for policy and practice. Jack’s research is regularly cited in parliament and by media outlets.

10:00

1 Main programme

Keynote: The national picture: recruitment, retention and workforce

In this session, Jack will explore the national workforce picture through a system lens. Together, we’ll look at the critical role of high-quality data in understanding attrition, workload, and variation across schools, along with why retention is a more powerful lever than recruitment alone.

10:20

1 Main programme

Keynote: In conversation with Nadine Bernard

Analysis from NFER lays bare a stark and systemic challenge: the teaching workforce in England is struggling to reflect the diversity of the communities it serves. Across nearly every minority ethnic group, representation declines sharply from initial teacher training through to senior leadership, with the most significant underrepresentation at headship level. For trusts, the implications go beyond fairness, as a lack of diversity shapes culture, limits perspective, and risks weakening connection with pupils and communities. Nadine will explore not just why the gap persists, but what it will take to shift it.