Europe is home to some of the most highly educated societies in the world. However, deep inequalities in education remain both within and between countries in Europe. Inequalities in learning outcomes, access to education and final educational attainment in Europe have been worsening and it is important to understand how socio-economic status, gender, ethnic and migrant status are associated with inequalities over the life-course. For this a longitudinal approach is needed and project LEARN (Longitudinal Educational Achievements: Reducing iNequalities) will highlight short-, medium- and long-term patterns of inequalities with a view to supporting educational policymaking in being able to robustly address these inequalities with interventions which are evidence based. Using a case study approach in nine carefully selected countries which capture the diversity of Europe’s education systems, LEARN will map and collect existing data providing original analysis of a range of high-quality education focused longitudinal educational data sets across Europe. LEARN will identify interventions that compensate educational inequalities by providing a synthesis of existing work across Europe examining specific trends in educational inequalities and interventions intended to reduce them. LEARN will then go on to develop tools for policymakers related to the findings of longitudinal analysis which support them in the policy making process. Through improving the evidence base for education policy making, the positive impact of LEARN is likely to be felt for decades to come.

LINEup aims at identifying key success factors for quality education for all, by mapping and analysing the research design and findings of existing longitudinal data on students’ learning outcomes at primary and secondary level (6-18 year-old students). Considering that 2023 is the European Year of Skills and in line with the objectives of the European Education Area and Council Recommendation on Pathways to School Success, the project focuses on achievement and attainment of basic skills. LINEup is based on a comprehensive desk research aiming at collecting, analysing and summarizing data that allow assessing inequalities in education over time in 31 countries, and with a particular focus on Southern and Western Europe. Part of the activities are dedicated to understand to what extent different databases can be made directly comparable and deliver a feasibility study that brings innovation to the research community interested in comparative longitudinal analysis. A qualitative research in project countries complements the mapping to gather primary data on the implementation process and impact of possible compensatory interventions. In line with the findings of recent longitudinal studies, the objective is to further investigate what schools can do to keep their students engaged, meet their characteristics and needs, and reduce inequalities in the short, medium and long run. LINEup will contribute to expand the knowledge base on what shapes educational outcomes over time and on student-centred interventions aiming at lifting the performance in basic skills and reducing early leaving from education and training, which are a key challenge across Europe. Attention will be dedicated to cooperating with national authorities of the participating countries to identify and access longitudinal data and other administrative sources, and to validate and disseminate the results at European, national and local level for a more supportive and equitable school environment.