Investing in education and training for all is a key priority for the European Union (EU). The importance of education and training, in order to achieve smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, is recognised in the Europe 2020 strategy, with two of its headline targets focusing specifically on education and training. The European Pillar of Social Rights re-affirms the priority focus on education and training. Alongside other key funding mechanisms, EU support to education and training is provided by the European Social Fund (ESF) via Thematic Objective 10. This Thematic Objective allows investments in education, training and vocational training for skills and lifelong learning through four Investment Priorities: (1) reducing and preventing early school leaving and promoting equal access to education; (2) improving the quality and access to tertiary and equivalent education and training; (3) enhancing equal access to lifelong learning for all age groups; and (4) improving the labour market relevance of education and training systems. The Commission is carrying out an evaluation of ESF support to education and training provided through Thematic Objective 10, in preparation for the next ESF programming period. This study contributes to this evaluation by providing evidence on its implementation until the end of 2018. The study has analysed the evidence gathered against the five evaluation criteria: effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coherence and EU added value. Based on the lessons emerging from the study, "key forward-looking reflections" for the next programming period, further detailed in the final report, concern: (1) fostering a strategic approach to programming ESF support to education and training; (2) maintaining a strong focus on disadvantaged learners; (3) the need for better cooperation and consultation at all levels; and (4) increasing impact through a greater focus on mutual learning and dissemination. [This report was co-produced by Ecorys and Ismeri Europa.]