
Evidence into Action
Evidence into Action is a podcast from the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF).
This podcast welcomes experts in the field of education – fantastic researchers with important things to say, alongside a wealth of brilliant teachers and school leaders. Our mission is straightforward: to tackle the most important educational topics and offer you plenty of evidence-based ideas to reflect on and, hopefully, be able to put into action.
Latest episodes

11 snips
Apr 1, 2025 • 42min
Why manipulatives matter in the maths classroom
Join Dr. Sue Gifford, a retired expert in early childhood maths education, Emma Barker, a primary mastery specialist, and Guy Carpenter, a secondary maths innovator, as they dive into the power of manipulatives in math education. They explore how hands-on tools enhance understanding and boost student engagement, revealing their impact on reducing math anxiety. The discussion emphasizes the need for tailored training for teachers to maximize these educational tools' effectiveness across all levels. Discover the transformative role manipulatives play in shaping confident math learners!

Mar 11, 2025 • 26min
Teaching: an art or science - part 3
In the final episode of our three-part series, ‘Teaching: an art or science?’ host Harry Madgwick meets with Yamina Bibi to discuss how teachers can best exercise their professional judgment, with insights from a panel of experts.
Episode 1: Teaching: an art or science - part 1
Episode 2: Teaching: an art or science - part 2
Yamina Bibi (Project specialist at Chartered College of Teaching and freelance consultant)
Panel:
Dr Cat Scutt (Deputy Chief Executive, Education and Research, Chartered College of Teaching)
Sarah Cottinghatt (Professional development consultant and instructional coach)
Dr Sally Riordan (Associate Professor of Social Policy Research, Northeastern University London)
Further resources
Metacognition Guidance Report
Engaging with Evidence report

Mar 4, 2025 • 33min
Teaching: an art or science - part 2
In this second episode of our three-part series, ‘Teaching: an art or science?’, host Harry Madgwick meets with Sarah Stock, Director of Newcastle Research School, to discuss teachers’ use of research evidence, with insights from a panel of experts:
Sarah Stock (Director of Newcastle Research School, Primary School Improvement Lead NEAT Academy Trust)
Panel:
Dr Cat Scutt (Deputy Chief Executive, Education and Research, Chartered College of Teaching) @CatScutt
Sarah Cottinghatt (Professional development consultant and instructional coach) @scottinghatt
Dr Sally Riordan (Associate Professor of Social Policy Research, Northeastern University London)
You can catch up on part 1 here.
Further resources
EEF, Teacher Feedback to Improve Pupil Learning Guidance Report (October 2021)
EEF Blog, The ShREC approach
EEF, Vocabulary in Action tool (based on Beck model)
EEF, Using Research Evidence: A Concise Guide (January 2024)
Research Schools Network Clips from the Classroom

4 snips
Feb 25, 2025 • 31min
Teaching: an art or science - part 1
In the first episode of a three-part series, ‘Teaching: an art or science?’, host Alex Quigley is joined by co-host, Harry Madgwick (EEF senior content and engagement manager) and expert guests including:
Damilola Ajagbonna (Deputy Headteacher, Hitchin Boys’ School)
Dr Cat Scutt (Deputy Chief Executive, Education and Research, Chartered College of Teaching)
Sarah Cottinghatt (Professional development consultant and instructional coach)
Dr Sally Riordan (Senior Research Fellow, UCL)
In this episode, Harry meets with his mentor from when he was an ECT to discuss what ECTs must master first upon entering the profession, what good mentoring can involve, and how to stay present and motivated as a teacher, accompanied by insights from a panel of experts.

Jan 14, 2025 • 44min
Breakfast clubs
In this instalment, host Alex Quigley is joined by co-host Kirsten Mould and expert guests. They discuss breakfast club provision in schools, implementation challenges, impact, and advice for those looking to set up breakfast club provision in their setting.
Lindsey McDonald, Chief Executive, Magic Breakfast, @LindseyMac_ @Magic_Breakfast (Start – 19:50)
Toni Hayzen, Headteacher, Pembroke Park Primary School and Nursery, @PrimaryHT_Mum and
Ash McGann, Headteacher, Burton Green Primary School (19:59 - End)
Further Resources:
EEF Breakfast Interventions: Rapid Evidence Assessment (August 2024)
TES, How to Build an Effective Breakfast Club: What the Research Says (August 2024)
To find out more about the Magic Breakfast Early Adopters Scheme: Early Adopters Scheme - Magic Breakfast
School Food Matters | School Food Matters

Oct 7, 2024 • 57min
Retrieval practice
In this instalment, host Alex Quigley is joined by co-host, Rachael Cattrall, EEF Content Specialist Alumna) and expert guests. They discuss the evolution of retrieval practice and insights into cognitive science, including how these principles and practices are being applied in classrooms.
Dr Tom Perry, Associate Professor, University of Warwick (Start - 24:10)
Rachel Wilson, Year 6 teacher & Deputy Research Director of Norwich Research School (24:10 - 37:50)
Mark Miller, Director of Bradford Research School, Dixons Academies Trust (37:50 - End)
Further Resources:
Cognitive Science Approaches in the Classroom: a Review of the Evidence (summary)
EEF Podcast: Cognitive Science in the Classroom
The Processes of Memory: A brief explainer
Cognitive Load Theory: A brief explainer

13 snips
Aug 27, 2024 • 1h 9min
Implementation in schools
In this discussion, Jonathan Sharples, a research fellow at EEF, shares insights on bridging research and practice in education. Phil Stock, a deputy head teacher and director at Greenshaw Research School, highlights structured approaches to change, emphasizing collaboration and communication as crucial for successful implementation. Laura Spence, director of the Gloucestershire Research School, passionately discusses the unique challenges faced by urban and rural schools in supporting disadvantaged learners. Together, they unpack the emotional complexities of de-implementation and the importance of evidence-informed decision-making.

Jun 25, 2024 • 1h 9min
Using research evidence well in education
In this instalment, host Alex Quigley is joined by co-host, Kirstin Mulholland, EEF Associate for School Engagement and Evidence Use, and expert guests. They discuss using research evidence well in the context of education, exploring the development of a culture and capacity for engaging with evidence in schools.
Prof Rob Coe, Director of Research and Development at Evidence Based Education, EEF Senior Associate (3:10 - 30:03)
Sean Harris, Lead for Research Improvement and Innovation at Tees Valley Education Trust (30:03 - 48:33)
Claire Williams, Deputy Headteacher of Alexandra Park Primary School and Director of Alexandra Park Research School (48:33 - End)
Further Resources:
EEF Using Research Evidence – a concise guide (Published January 2024)
Research School Network
The COM-B Model for behaviour change – an explainer from The Decision Lab

Mar 21, 2024 • 58min
Supporting school attendance
In this instalment, host Alex Quigley is joined by co-host, Freya Morrissey, EEF Content Specialist for Learning Behaviours, and expert guests. They discuss the complex topic of attendance and explore what the evidence tells us about the best ways to support it.
Owen Carter, Director at ImpactEd (Start - 19:48)
Jane Elsworth, Director of Huntington Research School (19:48 - 41:28)
Oliver Kerr, Headteacher of Old Moat Primary School, Manchester (41:28 - End)
Further Resources:
Impact Ed: Understanding Attendance report
EEF Supporting School Attendance webpage
EEF’s Attendance intervention rapid evidence review 2022
For quick and easy access to future episodes, search for 'Evidence into Action' in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts and make sure you subscribe there.

12 snips
Jan 12, 2024 • 1h 4min
Primary Science
In this engaging discussion, Sarah Earle, a Reader in Education at Bath Spa University, Ben Rogers, Director of Curriculum and Pedagogy at Paradigm Trust, and Mikaela Moore, Director of Primary Science at Delta Academy Trust, delve into enhancing primary science education. They emphasize the power of formative assessments and the role of dialogue in addressing misconceptions. The conversation explores the importance of explicit vocabulary teaching and inquiry-based learning, all aimed at fostering curiosity and analytical skills in young learners. Listen for insights on integrating scientific concepts into everyday learning!