Research and development support for education
The UK’s education research infrastructure is sophisticated and well-developed, with generous support and funding.
Catapult network
The Catapult Network has 9 innovation centres across 40 locations in the UK. In each centre, businesses, scientists, technical specialists and engineers work together on late-stage research and development.
The Digital Catapult Centre is a space for technologists, creatives from business and academia to collaborate and develop their new ideas and showcase their products to the UK and the rest of the world. It enables businesses to innovate at speed, and with less risk, so new products and services can be accelerated to market. It operates a network of innovation facilities which are ideal spaces for testing educational virtual reality and augmented reality solutions.
Major UK research organisations for education
General education
Find projects and information on the websites listed below:
National Foundation for Educational Research
An independent not-for-profit organisation which provides research and insights on UK education, and global comparison studies. Based in Slough, South East England and York in North East England.
Strathclyde Centre for Excellence in Psychology and Education
A leader in educational psychology research, practice, and policy, this centre in Glasgow, Scotland also hosts conferences, workshops, and seminars.
National Centre for Social Research
The organisation's Centre for Children and Families in London works on issues in education, parenting, and early years.
Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching
Based at the University of Suffolk, in East England, this centre brings together educational researchers with a range of research methodologies.
EdTech
Find educational technology (EdTech) projects and information on the websites listed below:
The university is a centre for digital and educational excellence, and provides an EdTech focused masters programme.
Centre for Technology Enhanced Learning
A hub for research and practice in technology enhanced learning at Lancaster University, North West England.
Located at Coventry University in the West Midlands of England, this centre carries out innovative research in EdTech.
Based in Belfast, Northern Ireland, the university offers a degree in education with digital learning and is a leader in research for virtual teaching.
Research resources
Find a listing of research commissioned by the UK’s Department for Education on GOV.UK.
Read research on UK education on the website of the Education Policy Institute.
UK Research and Innovation’s Gateway to Research website gives information on current and past UK research projects, including publications, outcomes and contacts.
Konfer is an online tool which uses smart matching technology to connect UK universities and businesses.
Read more on the UK’s R&D support and find links that can help you further your research in our research and collaboration in the UK guide.
Tax relief for innovative education companies
The UK tax system provides strong backing for education entrepreneurs and their investors.
The Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) are UK government schemes that help you if you’re a younger, higher-risk businesses raising finance. They offer generous tax reliefs of between 30% to 50%.
Find out more about the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) on GOV.UK.
You can claim research and development corporation tax relief if you are working on an innovative project in science and technology that meets the UK government’s definition of research and development (R&D).
Find out more about R&D tax relief for small and medium sized enterprises on GOV.UK.
Private equity and venture capital
Alongside generous government support and tax relief, education companies can access private finance.
Venture capital schemes specifically for education technology and innovation include:
A fund dedicated to fostering and supporting a thriving European Edtech ecosystem. It provides insights and best practices and tailored guidance for its portfolio companies.
A pre-seed fund backed by more than 100 global EdTech operators. It offers a 3-month start-up programme and hands-on support from successful operators.