Educational research charity Futurelab Education is to become part of the National Foundation for Educational Research.

Futurelab’s services and staff will move into the offices of the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER), and become an associated company and retain its brand.

Going forward, NFER and Futurelab will launch a new initiative with Nesta to establish a consortium to advance the use of technology in education through research and practical programmes.

Geoff Mulgan, chief executive of Nesta, said: “As a successful spin-out from Nesta, we are delighted that Futurelab will sustain its creativity and impact through this merger with NFER.

"Together they will be even better placed to generate the evidence and practical insights that schools need to equip their students for the future. We are delighted to be working with them to establish a consortium of key players in the sector to advance the use of technology within education.”

NFER and Futurelab have incomes of £18.6m and £2.5m respectively, according to their most recent accounts on the Charity Commission website.