Visual literacy research launched by Department of Education

13 March 2025

The research will assess how looking at art can impact young people’s future success.

Associate Professor Ian Thompson is standing in front of a ladder and some art. He is wearing brown trousers, blue shirt and navy blazer and presenting to the room.

Associate Professor Ian Thompson speaking about the research plan at the Royal Academy of Arts

Credit: © Crown Copyright, UK Government Art Collection

New research from the University of Oxford’s Department of Education will measure how the observation and discussion of artworks in schools can support the development of visual literacy and oracy skills in students, and the impact of these skills on future success.

The research project is titled 'Picture This: the Robson Orr Visual Literacy Research Initiative', a partnership between the Robson Orr Foundation, the University of Oxford, Government Art Collection and Art UK.

The initiative will evaluate how the ability to critically observe, analyse, question and interpret images enhance students’ potential for success in life in an increasingly image-saturated world and fast-changing workplace.

The mission of the report is to provide academic research to support the establishment of visual literacy as the fourth pillar of education.

Find out more about the research