School of Education

Pallavi Banerjee, PhD

Pallavi Banerjee, PhD

Senior Lecturer in Education

 P.Banerjee@exeter.ac.uk

 4778

 +44 (0) 1392 724778

 North Cloisters NC114

 

North Cloisters, University of Exeter, St Luke's Campus, Heavitree Road, Exeter, EX1 2LU, UK

Overview

My role emphasises strategic decision-making and knowledge exchange, leveraging cutting-edge research to inform and enhance policymaking, with a particular focus on improving educational outcomes for all children and young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. This commitment positions me at the forefront of efforts to ensure equitable educational opportunities through evidence-based policy development. From 2023 to 2025, I am on secondment to the Department for Education through a UKRI Policy Fellowship (ESRC-funded), focusing on bridging the gap between educational research and policy. 

Research

My research focusses on addressing inequalities in educational outcomes for children and young people. I conduct robust evaluations, utilising experimental and quasi-experimental research designs, linked administrative datasets, longitudinal surveys, and systematic literature review to synthesise evidence aimed at improving educational effectiveness. Drawing on my previous experience in conducting research on education with children and young people, I bring a deep understanding of education reform and political priorities, as well as expertise in applied research in a complex policy setting. I routinely analyse large-scale datasets to identify factors associated with education behaviour and decision-making and provide policy advice on these findings. 

Research grants

2023-25   Applying behavioural insights to education UKRI (ESRC) - DfE Principal Investigator

2022-23   Developing a new social mobility index Research England Principal Investigator

2022-23   Post-16 learner outcomes and perceptions in different educational settings. GHWY Principal Investigator

2017-19   Evaluating the fairness of admissions in the UK Universities ESRC, Co-Investigator

2016-18   Transforming Transitions Office for Students

2016-18   Understanding effective evaluation of the impact of outreach interventions Office for Students. Co-Investigator

Information for prospective doctoral students

I am interested in working in areas relating to educational and labour market outcomes for children and young people. I will be happy to supervise studies adressing different educational settings such as schools, FE colleges and higher education and topics linked to social mobility more generally. I am also keen on supervising projects involving administrative data and conducting evaluations.

Links

Research group links

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Publications

Books

Banerjee P (eds)(2019). Transitions from Vocational Qualifications to Higher Education: Examining Inequalities.  UK, Emerald Publishing Limited. Abstract.
Banerjee P (eds)(2019). Transitions from Vocational Qualifications to Higher Education: Examining Inequalities.  UK, Emerald Publishing Limited. Abstract.
Banerjee PA (2018). forthcoming) Driving change, Breaking barriers: Towards developing an inclusive and skilled workforce in STEM. , Sense Publishers.
Banerjee PA (2017). Impact assessment of STEM initiatives in improving educational outcomes. UK, USA, Author house.

Journal articles

Banerjee PA, Graham L, Givens G (In Press). A Systematic Literature Review identifying inconsistencies in the inclusion of subjects in research reports on STEM workforce skills in the UK. Cogent Education
Banerjee PA, Graham L, Givens G (2024). A Systematic Literature Review identifying inconsistencies in the inclusion of subjects in research reports on STEM workforce skills in the UK. Cogent Education. Cogent Education, 11
Banerjee PA (2024). Gabi, J. Braddock, A. C. Brown, C. Miller, D. Mynott, G. J. Banerjee, P. Kenny, K. and Rawson, A. (2024). Can the Role of a Personal Tutor contribute to reducing the Undergraduate Degree Awarding Gap for Racially Minoritised Students?. British Educational Research Journal
Banerjee PA, True C, Hart R, Hodgson E, Dingwall K, Shen Z (2023). Evaluation of the ‘Articulate’ widening participation intervention aimed at improving soft skills and HE aspirations of students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds. Review of Education. Article DOI: 10.1002/rev3.3391. Review of Education, 11 (1)(11).
Banerjee PA, Graham L (2023). STEM Education in England: Questioning the 'Leaky Pipeline' Metaphor. Education + Training
Boliver V, Banerjee P, Gorard S, Powell M (2022). Reconceptualising fair access to highly academically selective universities. Higher Education, 84(1), 85-100. Abstract.
Elliot Major L, Banerjee PA (2020). Social mobility and elite universities. Higher Education Policy Institute, HEPI policy note 20
Banerjee PA (2018). Widening participation in higher education with a view to implementing institutional change. Perspectives: Policy and Practice in Higher Education, 22(3), 75-81. Abstract.
Banerjee PA (2017). Context and Implications Document. Review of Education
Banerjee P (2017). Is informal education the answer to increasing and widening participation in STEM education?. Review of Education, 5 (2), 202-224.
Banerjee PA (2017). Is informal education the answer to increasing and widening participation in STEM education?. Review of Education, 5(2), 202-224. Abstract.
Banerjee P (2017). Which are the most suitable contextual indicators for use in widening participation to HE?.
Banerjee PA (2016). A longitudinal evaluation of the impact of STEM enrichment and enhancement activities in improving educational outcomes: Research protocol. International Journal of Educational Research, 76, 1-11.
Banerjee PA (2016). A systematic review of factors linked to poor academic performance of disadvantaged students in science and maths in schools. Cogent Education, 3(1). Abstract.
Banerjee P (2016). Does continued participation in STEM enrichment and enhancement activities affect school maths attainment?. Oxford Review of Education, 43(1), 1-18. Abstract.
Banerjee PA (2013). Research design creating robust approaches for the social sciences. International Journal of Research & Method in Education, 36(4), 440-442.

Chapters

Banerjee PA, Rigg A, Altoe M (2024). Degree awarding gaps by demographics in UK Universities. In Wyse D, Baumfield V, Mockler N, Reardon M (Eds.) The BERA Sage Handbook of Research Informed Education Practice and Policy, Sage.
Banerjee PA (2022). Do expensive STEM enrichment activities make any difference to science and maths outcomes at school?. In  (Ed) Making your doctoral research project ambitious: Developing Large-Scale Studies with Real-World Impact, Abingdon: Routledge, 978-1-032-05975-4 (hardback), 978-1-032-06245-7 (paperback), 978-1-003-20136-6 (ebook).
Banerjee PA (2019). Statistical Analysis of National Data Sets: Exploring Demographics, Access and Progression of Students in Higher Education from Vocational Entry Routes. In Banerjee P, Myhill D (Eds.) Transitions from Vocational Qualifications to Higher Education Examining Inequalities, UK: Emerald Publishing. Abstract.
Banerjee, PA (2017). Using big data to inform evidence-based policy and practice: practical lessons learnt from handling secondary data. In  (Ed) Sage research methods, UK: Sage.

Conferences

Banerjee PA, Myhill DA, Robinson C (2018). Investigating the link between prior qualification and student progression in higher education?. BERA 2018. 11th - 13th Sep 2018.
Banerjee PA, Boliver V, Gorard S (2018). The notion of fair admissions. BERA 2018. 11th - 13th Sep 2018.
Banerjee PA (2017). Is informal education the answer to increasing and widening participation in STEM education?. BERA.
Banerjee PA (2016). Getting students interested in science: Does it work?. BERA.
Banerjee PA, Gorard S, Boliver V (2016). Using indicators of contextual disadvantage to widen participation in higher education: a systematic review of the research literature. How do they rate in terms of real-life validity, completeness, availability and feasibility of use?. SPA Conference.
Banerjee PA (2015). What is the impact of STEM initiatives on widening participation?. BERA.
Banerjee PA (2014). Impact assessment of STEM initiatives on widening participation. BERA.
Banerjee PA (2014). Unequal representation of socioeconomic classes in STEM education. BERA Conference.

Reports

Banerjee PA, Myhill D, Tyssen J (2023). A comparative analysis of post-16 learner outcomes and perspectives, based on studying further education (FE) in either an FE college or sixth form setting. Evaluation conducted for Go Higher West Yorkshire. Final Project Report 2022 https://gohigherwestyorks.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/GHWY-Final-Report-27th-October_PAB.pdf. GHWY,  UK.
Office for Students, Myhill D, Banerjee PA (2021). Transforming Transitions. Addressing Barriers to Student Success. OfS Report.
Office for Students (2019). Access and participation: Standards of evidence. OfS report. Office for Students.
Office for Students (2019). An evaluation self-assessment toolkit. OfS report.
Office for Students (2019). Using standards of evidence to evaluate the impact of outreach. OfS report.

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External Engagement and Impact

Invited lectures & workshops

Banerjee, P. A. (2020) Equivalent Qualifications. Society for Research in higher education SRHE

Banerjee, P. A. (2019) Transforming Transitions into University: Challenges and Possibilities. Addressing Barriers to Student Success. Organised by the Office for Students at Birmingham, OfS

Banerjee, P. A. (2019) Identifying challenges, barriers during the transition to higher education from different qualification routes. UCAS organized event at Manchester

Banerjee, P. A. (2018) Data sharing and protection for a multi-partner project. Addressing barriers to student success. Office for Students, London

Banerjee, P. A. (2018) Development and evaluation of an academic writing intervention to improve BTEC students’ understanding of higher education assessment criteria through a collaborative FE-HE approach. Advance HE - Equality Challenge Unit, Liverpool

Banerjee, P. A. (2017) Why evaluate? A widening participation symposium. Event organized by Office for Students at the University of Sheffield


Journal and book series Editorships and Editorial board membership

Editor Sociology

Editor: Journal of Global Education and Research

Banerjee, P. A., & Myhill, D. (Editors.). (2019). Transitions from Vocational Qualifications to Higher Education: Examining Inequalities. Book. Emerald Group Publishing.

 


Media Coverage

Mountford-Zimdars, A and Banerjee, P. (2021) The social mobility index (SMI): A welcome and invitation to debate. SRHE Blog. Society for research in higher education. 

Elliott-Major, Lee. and Banerjee, P. (2020) Social mobility and elite universities. Higher Education Policy Institute, HEPI report 20

Banerjee PA (2018). How likely are BTEC students to enter higher education? Society for Research in Higher Education.

Banerjee PA (2018). How successful are BTEC students at the University? Wonkhe.

STEM activities do not seem to encourage students to make STEM subject choices for AS/A levels Medical research.com 

Flash Physics: Antiprotons from dark matter, lab visits do not inspire, CERN's new linac, Australia at ESO. IOP Physics world

Oops...no evidence that enrichment activities encourage pupils to study STEM A levels. From experience to meaning

Inspiring role models ‘do not boost uptake of Stem subjects’ The I news

Banerjee, P. A (2017) Assessing the impact of STEM initiatives in improving educational outcomes – have they worked? New BERA blog

Banerjee, P. A. (2017) Students enjoy science at school, but most still don't see it as a career option. The Conversation

STEM Enrichment activities have no impact on exam results." Science Daily, 15 December 2016.

Republished here ECN mag  Eureka alert  

Banerjee, P. A (2016) STEM Enrichment Activities Did Not Improve Math or Science Scores. Medical research 

Banerjee, P. A (2016) Enrichment activities to encourage children to study science, technology and mathematics have no impact on results. University of Exeter - Research news 

Banerjee, P. A (2016) STEM activities have no impact on results. Newswise 

Republished here Phys.org and Health Medicine network

Banerjee, P. A (2015) Can schemes to inspire tomorrow’s scientists close the poverty attainment gap? The Conversation

Banerjee, P. A (2015) Why we need more diversity in maths and science? World Economic Forum


Significant Impact

Written evidence submitted to UK Parliament

Report submitted to the Department for Education: 

Impact assessment of STEM enrichment and enhancement activities in improving educational outcomes

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Teaching

I led the MSc Educational research programme from 2018 to 2023 and have just completed my term as the Programme Director. My teaching is on research methods to our post graduate taught and post graduate research students. I also lead sessions on designing research and evaluations.

2023-24

MSc Educational research - ERPM005 Designing and Communicating Research - Evaluation design

MA EFP013Z5 Summer - Autumn 2023 iteration 

2022-23

MSc Educational research - ERPM002 Scientific methodologies 

MSc ERPM004 Dissertation (Module lead)

MA EFPM013Z1 Autumn - spring iteration 

MA EFP013Z5 Summer - Autumn iteration (Module lead)

MSc Educational research - ERPM005 Designing and Communicating Research

MA - EFPM 308 Preparing for educational research and dissertation

2021-22

MSc Educational research - ERPM002 Scientific methodologies (Modue lead)

MSc ERPM004 Dissertation (Module lead)

MA EFPM013Z1 Autumn - spring iteration (Module lead)

MSc Educational research - ERPM005 Designing and Communicating Research

MA - EFPM 308 Preparing for educational research and dissertation

MA - EFPM327 Independent study module 

2020-21

MSc - ERPM005 Designing and Communicating Research: I lead the session on Evaluation design

MSc - ERPM002 Scientific methodologies

MSc ERPM004 Dissertation (Module leader)

MA EFPM013Z3 SP21A  Preparing for Educational Enquiry (Summer term)

MA Core 4: Undertaking Educational Enquiry (Autumn term)

MA - EFPM 308 Preparing for educational research and dissertation

2019-20

MSc - ERPM005 Designing and Communicating Research: I lead the session on Evaluation design

MSc - ERPM002 Scientific methodologies

MA Core 3: Preparing for Educational Enquiry (Module leader Spring term)

MA Core 4: Undertaking Educational Enquiry

MA - EFPM 308 Preparing for educational research and dissertation

MA - EFPM327 Independent study module (Module leader)

Modules

2023/24

Information not currently available


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Supervision / Group

Postgraduate researchers

  • Bushra Ahmed M Areashi PhD student funded by the Ministry of Education, Saudi Arabia
  • Yanyao Deng PhD student
  • Amanda Rigg PhD student
  • Zhimin Shen PhD student
  • Mehmet Hafiz Yildiz PhD student funded by the Turkish Government

Alumni

  • Sumaiya Al Bulushi
  • Saadyah Alaskari
  • Kristi Dingwall
  • Nurullah Eryilmaz
  • Gemma Given
  • Eleanor Grout
  • Jill Noakes
  • Ming Zhong

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Office Hours:

My office hours are online via Teams and in-person. To arrange a meeting please email me beforehand 

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