Will is an economist with expertise in policy design and evaluation. He is currently a researcher in the economics of education at the University of Manchester where he also teaches econometrics.

Prior to this he worked for four years as an economic adviser to the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit and headed a team at the Home Office analysing the long-term implications of immigration on the UK. While in government he worked on schools reform, immigration, welfare, controlling public expenditure and communities policy. He has also worked in the government and public sector practice at PwC and for GHK Consulting,

He holds a masters degree from the University of Cambridge and a bachelors degree from the University of Manchester, and was a visiting scholar at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in 2012.

Publications

Vocational education in English schools: Protecting options for pre-16 pupils

Author(s) : Will Cook

07 May 2013

A long division: Closing the attainment gap in England’s secondary schools

Author(s) : Jonathan Clifton, Will Cook

07 Sep 2012

Beyond bricks and mortar boards: universities’ role in building regional economies

Author(s) : Will Cook, Katie Schmuecker

13 Feb 2012

Making it happen: The contribution of the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sectors to LEP objectives

Author(s) : Katie Schmuecker, Will Cook

10 Oct 2011

Green Streets, Strong Communities

Author(s) : Reg Platt

05 Jul 2011

Articles

Northern Economic Summary: June 2012 - 11 Jun 2012

Author(s) : Will Cook

Northern Economic Summary: March 2012 - 14 Mar 2012

Author(s) : Will Cook

Public sector jobs are growing in London and the South East; here’s why - 11 Nov 2011

Author(s) : Will Cook, Ed Cox

Refining the balancing act - 11 Nov 2011

Author(s) : Ed Cox, Will Cook

Northern economic summary: October 2011 - 07 Nov 2011

Author(s) : Will Cook