The benefits of foundational learning to individuals and society: a review of the evidence

Michelle Kaffenberger, Sarah Melville and Madhuri Agarwal

Education could have larger impacts on later outcomes than suggested by current estimates if children consistently achieved greater learning. Better understanding the role of learning in later outcomes is therefore critical for informing policy priorities and educational investments.

This brief reviews the limited but growing evidence on learning achievements, particularly foundational learning achievements, and later individual and societal outcomes. Evidence of a positive association is found between learning and economic growth, individual earnings, child health outcomes (particularly child mortality) and school retention and attainment.

The brief is organised as follows:

• Section 1 provides the background and introduction to the brief.
• Section 2 outlines the methods and scope of the review.
• Section 3 presents the evidence on learning and individual-level outcomes including economic outcomes, health outcomes, gender-related outcomes and schooling-related outcomes.
• Section 4 discusses the evidence on learning and societal-level outcomes including economic growth, productivity and development.
• Section 5 summarises the key findings and highlights the challenges and gaps in the existing literature.

Kaffenberger, M., Melville, S. & Agarwal, M. 2025. The benefits of foundational learning to individuals and society: a review of the evidence. What Works Hub for Global Education. Synthesis brief. 2025/003. https://doi.org/10.35489/BSG-WhatWorksHubforGlobalEducation-RI_2025/003