CARE was established in 1970 as a research centre supporting curriculum innovation and development in secondary schools. CARE has a permanent staff of six academic researchers and a PhD community working on projects associated with innovation and change in education. Since its foundation, CARE has broadened its base of activities and is currently:

• evaluating the UK Government’s policy to create integrated services for children
• working with children to improve their effectiveness as members of Schools Councils
• involved in developing a new curriculum for schools in Hong Kong
• engaged in community arts programs (for Tate Britain and Community Music East)
• has an active group working with the issues of literacy and development

CARE has extended experience of working in IT in national, European and international projects, having begun this work in the 1970s with the evaluation of the National Programme in Computer-Assisted Learning and later the Microelectronics Education Programme (MEP). CARE also has extensive experience of distance education, particularly in developing and delivering courses for university teachers and in training distance educators in research methods.