SUNDERLAND, UK – July 22, 2025 – Jack Deverson MBE, CEO of Sunderland-based Evidence Based Education (EBE), has today welcomed the appointment of his colleague, Professor Rob Coe, to the Expert Panel of the new Independent Inquiry into White Working-Class Educational Outcomes. Coverage in Tes and Schools Week.
The high-profile inquiry, commissioned by Star Academies, will conduct a comprehensive investigation into what is and isn’t working for white working-class pupils, and why.
Professor Coe, EBE’s Director of Research and Development, will serve alongside a distinguished inquiry board. Co-chaired by Sir Hamid Patel CBE, Chief Executive of Star Academies, and Baroness Estelle Morris, former Secretary of State for Education. Other notable members include former education secretary Baroness Nicky Morgan and the DfE’s school standards advisor Sir Kevan Collins.
Jack Deverson commented on the announcement:
“We are incredibly proud that Rob’s unparalleled expertise has been recognised with this appointment. This inquiry is both timely and vital. The challenge of improving outcomes for white working-class pupils has been a persistent and complex issue for generations. And a rigorous, evidence-based approach is the best way to find solutions that will make a genuine, lasting difference. This aligns perfectly with our core mission at EBE: to improve outcomes for learners.”
Mr Deverson continued, “As someone who grew up and built a business in the North East of England. I have seen first-hand the impact these educational disparities have on communities, families, and young people’s life chances. This is not an abstract policy problem; it’s about ensuring every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to succeed. We wholeheartedly support the work of the co-chairs and the entire panel and look forward to the inquiry delivering the practical, actionable insights that schools and policymakers so desperately need.”
Professor Coe’s appointment underscores Evidence Based Education’s position at the forefront of applying the best available evidence to improve outcomes for learners both in the UK and internationally.
About us: We are a leading research and professional learning organisation dedicated to improving educational outcomes by bridging the gap between academic research and professional practice. Founded by Jack Deverson MBE and Professor Dr Stuart Kime, we provide training, tools, and evaluation services to teachers, school leaders, and education organisations worldwide with the Great Teaching Toolkit, helping them to make better-informed decisions that benefit learners.
About Jack Deverson MBE: Jack Deverson is the co-founder and CEO of Evidence Based Education. A passionate advocate for social mobility and the North East, he was awarded an MBE in the 2024 New Year’s Honours List for his services to education, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
