The practice lead for this area of work is Bethia McNeil.

Our work on education includes research, projects and funds. Our research has focused on what we call the SEED (social intelligence, emotional resilience, enterprise and discipline) skills  - as focused on in our publication "Grit: The skills for success and how they are grown" - which we think have been undervalued in recent years but provide the key to success for many young people.

We have worked with the Australian Department for Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, as well as government in the UK and the USA. Our work includes:

• The Learning Launchpad fund supports a range of innovative projects both in and out of schools.

• Studio Schools - a new type of 14-19 school designed to engage young people who might not otherwise reach their full potential in traditional school environments, the first of which are being launched in 2010.

• Fastlaners is a two week intensive crash course for recent graduates looking for work. The course covers everything from voice training and team working to workplace etiquette - helping to build soft skills in order to maximise the chances of getting into work.

• UpRising works with talented young people aged 19-25, equipping them with the skills, knowledge and confidence to transform their communities for the better.

Key Reading:

• Grit: The skills for success and how they are grown argues that Britain's schools need to prioritise grit and self-discipline. Drawing on evidence from around the world it shows that these contribute as much to success at work and in life as IQ and academic qualifications.

• Learning and Social Innovation: Briefing on education and learning at the Young Foundation. This briefing paper sets out the initiatives of the Young Foundation that tackle the changing educational needs of the UK today.

• The Way to Work: Young people speak out on transitions to employment looks at shifts in the labour market, the workplace and transitions to employment, highlighting the need for education and careers information, advice and guidance that responds to the changing needs of young people and the economy.