[1][2] It aims to support teachers and senior leaders by providing evidence-based resources designed to improve practice and boost learning.

[1] The EEF was formally launched in July 2011, with Chairman Sir Peter Lampl declaring its aim would be to "develop initiatives to raise the attainment of the poorest pupils in the most challenging schools".

In 2012, the EEF was awarded a further £10 million by the Department for Education to identify and evaluate high-potential interventions aimed at improving literacy for 10 and 11 year-olds at the transition from primary to secondary school.

[6] In October 2019, it was announced that Professor Becky Francis would replace Sir Kevan Collins as chief executive of the EEF.

Through the network, they attempt to share what they know about putting research into practice, and support schools to make better use of evidence to inform their teaching and learning.

[16] In 2014, the EEF began working with school systems in Australia to develop an Australian version of the Teaching and Learning Toolkit, taking the global evidence base that underpins the Toolkit and contextualising it with recent examples of local research to enhance its relevance for Australian teachers.