Survey Research - Keele University
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Centre for Successful Schools

Bespoke Survey Research

In addition to the range of attitudinal surveys outlined above, CfSS can be commissioned to produce bespoke surveys, both for individual or groups of schools engaged in particular local projects or for Local Authorities and other institutions wishing to undertake medium and large-scale investigations. Recent examples include:

  • a national survey of teachers of history
  • the DfES London Challenge survey of the attitudes of pupils and teachers to their school experiences in London, involving 114 schools
  • the West Sussex DfES-funded KS3 Curriculum Design for Learning Project, involving initial follow-up and final surveys of pupils and teachers in 8 schools
  • the Stoke-on-Trent City Council investigation of the impact of their PFI programme, involving Heads and teachers in 70 schools

Other work undertaken by Centre staff include research into:

  • the impact of CfSS surveys on the way schools operate – in terms of sharing feedback with stakeholder, contributing to school self-evaluation process and encouraging improvement in the school culture
  • the development of anti-bullying policies, and the extent of their effectiveness in countering bullying behaviours
  • the pupils’ agenda; improving learning in secondary schools
  • the use and availability of textbooks in schools
  • the impact of extra curricular learning experiences on school effectiveness

Evaluation and Consultancy Services

The Centre also offers evaluation and consultancy services to schools and Local Authorities in the context of using attitudinal surveys.  These services can provide a valuable external perspective on schools’ strengths, weaknesses and on their priorities for improvement.  They can, for example, inform the schools’ pre-Ofsted stakeholder consultation.