Publications

18 Dec 2025

State of the Nation 2025: The evolving story of social mobility in the UK

Our landmark annual report presents the most comprehensive annual analysis of social mobility in the UK.

9 Dec 2025

Perceptions of Social Mobility in the UK: unpacking public attitudes and evolving aspirations 

Perceptions of Social Mobility presents public perceptions of social mobility, inequality and what constitutes a successful life in the UK in 2025

27 Nov 2025

Regional Insights: Creating fairer chances across the regions

Regional Insights draws calls for more powers for devolved authorities to help tackle the UK’s social mobility problem.

13 Oct 2025

Innovation, investment and inclusion: a framework for regional renewal

Innovation, investment and inclusion, calls for bold changes to drive economic growth and opportunity in the UK's most disadvantaged areas.

16 Jul 2025

Deep dives: a local perspective on social mobility

This research explores how the place where people live affects their attitudes towards social mobility, aspiration and success. The report uses insights from 22 focus groups with over 170 participants across two areas of the North West.

5 Dec 2024

Innovation Generation: next steps for social mobility

9 Oct 2024

Childhood Origins of Social Mobility

The Social Mobility Commission has released an updated and expanded version of its influential 2016 report, "The Childhood Origins of Social Mobility".

11 Sep 2024

State of the Nation Report 2024: Local to National, Mapping Opportunities for All

The State of the Nation 2024 report provides a comprehensive analysis of social mobility in the UK, highlighting key trends at a local level.

15 Aug 2024

Charting your Course: Earnings boost after University and College

This report aims to help young people, parents and teachers to make informed decisions about education after secondary school. It outlines the potential earnings associated with studying for qualifications at university and college. We break these down by both subject and institution.

1 Aug 2024

Innovation and Social Mobility: Two sides of the same coin

This think piece sets out a direct relationship between social mobility and innovation, as innovative economies inherently depend on opportunities for upward mobility, where incumbent firms are challenged and new market leaders emerge.

1 Aug 2024

Occupational regulation and social mobility in the UK

This think piece is designed as an introduction to the topic, drawing out some of the social mobility implications of current practices and how these might be changed.

1 Aug 2024

Spatial agglomeration, productivity and inequality

This think piece helps us to provide a context within which to consider regional disparities, but does not offer easy solutions in terms of changing the situation. It does indicate the wide range of policy levers – including tax, transport, business incentives, housing, education and employment policy – which have a role to play in addressing regional inequalities.