Data and Research in Education (DARE) – Research Consortium
Project summary
The Data and Research in Education – Research Consortium (DARE-RC) is an education research programme generating rigorous, actionable research to transform education in Pakistan.
Research projects include:
Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL): Researching the process of scaling in Sindh
Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) is a proven pedagogical approach that groups children by learning level (rather than grade) and provides targeted support. Evidence from Asia, Africa and Pakistan shows TaRL’s effectiveness in supporting foundational learning, especially for marginalised groups, in a cost-effective approach. Moreover, improved learning outcomes is a motivating factor towards enrolment and retention addressing the critical scale of out-of-school children in Pakistan.
This study evaluates an ongoing TaRL intervention by Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi (ITA) in government schools in two districts in Sindh, specifically focusing on enablers and challenges to scaling it across all government schools in the province.
Researchers
- Dr Shenila Rawal
- Professor Ricardo Sabates
- Dr Camilla Hadi Chaudhary
- Dr Rozina Sewani
- Minha Khan
Duration
TBC
Funder
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Uneven state capacity: Exploring the political economy of sub-national variation in education provision
This study investigates the political economy drivers of spatial inequalities in education outcomes in Balochistan, with specific focus on gender outcomes. It employs a political settlement analysis framework to examine inter-district and intra-district variations in state capacity for education provision. The study uses a multi-level comparative design with a mixed-method approach in five districts, prioritising qualitative methods complemented by descriptive statistics and Geographic Information System analysis.
The research will provide critical insights into the interdependence between education service providers and the broader social context, highlighting how frontline actors, such as teachers, navigate their roles within local power structures and how citizens engage in expressing preferences and holding providers accountable.
Researcher
- Rafiullah Kakar
Duration
May 2025 to August 2026
Funder
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Mapping gender-disaggregated data in Pakistan's education systems: Gaps, use and recommendations
This study examines the availability, completeness and use of gender-disaggregated education data in Pakistan. Although most provinces in Pakistan collect gender-disaggregated education data, existing evidence suggests that these data are not yet being used effectively to inform education decision-making. Recent national initiatives, including work led by the Pakistan Institute of Education, are beginning to generate data-driven insights into the challenges facing girls’ education.
This study addresses what gaps exist in gender-disaggregated education data across national and provincial sources in Pakistan; to what extent and in what ways existing gender-disaggregated data informs decision-making in Pakistan; and what barriers and opportunities exist for improving their availability and use.
Researchers
- Dr Amna Ansari
- Dr Shahid Soroya
- Dr Laraib Niaz
- Professor Pauline Rose
Duration
April to October 2026
Funder
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Scaling education reforms in Pakistan
This research scoping work has examined the conditions for scaling education reforms within government systems, with a particular focus on equity and sustainability, and mapped education research produced by Pakistan-based scholars to identify research strengths, gaps and future priorities.
Researchers
- Professor Pauline Rose
- Dr Laraib Niaz
Duration
November 2024 to January 2025
Funder
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Publications
A review of scalable education interventions in Pakistan: Enablers, challenges, and a framework for scaling
Niaz, L. and Rose, P. March 2025. DARE-RC.
Mapping education research produced by Pakistan-based scholars: Report on an analysis of international databases
Niaz, L. and Rose, P. July 2025. DARE-RC Scoping Paper.
Blogs
DARE-RC International Education Summit 2025: Insights for understanding inequalities and effective practice at scale
Sabates Aysa, R. 13 February 2026. DARE-RC.
