Ben Durbin

Research Manager
b.durbin@nfer.ac.uk
+44(0)1753 637334

Ben is an expert in the use of statistical and economic analysis in educational research. He has developed methodologies and led analysis for research and evaluation projects across a broad spectrum of policy areas. These include school improvement, child safeguarding, assessment, local authority data strategies, 14-19 education and engagement, and access to Higher Education. He is the lead statistician for NFER’s evaluation of the government’s Gaining Ground strategy, developed a value for money framework for evaluating Devon’s innovative Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub, and explored the predictive validity of SAT aptitude tests for use in university admissions.

Ben has a particular interest in value for money assessment and he leads this area of NFER’s research, providing evidence of how better outcomes can be achieved for lower cost, and making the case for further investment in education and children’s services. He is also experienced in a wide range of statistical techniques including multilevel and multivariate regression modelling, factor analysis, survey analysis and econometrics, and regularly works with large datasets such as the National Pupil Database.

Prior to joining NFER in 2009, Ben worked for a business & policy consultancy where his project work included the development of economic appraisal and business models, and several international research assignments.