Removing barriers to opportunity and achievement: publication launch

Online launch event

4.00 – 4.45pm, Thursday 15th January 2026

Despite repeated calls for excellence and equity in our national education system, the data shows widening gaps in outcomes and opportunities for learners who encounter disadvantage: potential is too often unfulfilled. 

Building on NACE’s ongoing research into how schools can provide cognitively challenging learning opportunities for all, this new publication focuses in on what this means for young people who face a range of barriers to achievement. Calling for a move away from fixed labels, preconceptions and “deficit thinking”, it shows what is possible when schools turn their attention to identifying and removing systemic barriers – changing those national statistics, one life at a time. 

Led by NACE Research & Development Director Dr Ann McCarthy, this project has been conducted in association with researchers at York St John University. It draws together a review of the existing evidence and research relating to ability and disadvantage, alongside the hands-on experience and expertise of schools across NACE’s diverse network.

We are delighted to be joined for this online launch by Professor John Jerrim, Professor of Education and Social Statistics at UCL Institute of Education, who is currently conducting the largest investigation into high-achieving pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds in England to date.

Aimed at all those in positions of education leadership and policy, this online launch event will include:

• Short opening address from Professor John Jerrim
• Key takeaways from the publication for school leaders and policymakers
• Q&A with Dr Ann McCarthy 

This online event is free and open to all. You will have the opportunity to submit questions in advance when registering.

Pre-order your copy of the publication here.