Biography

My research focuses on a number of aspects of elite education in England. In particular, my Doctoral thesis considered the implications for Continuous Professional Development (CPD) in light of the latest Relationships and Sex Education reforms. This used radical constructivism and Bourdieu’s field theory to interrogate the nature and structure of the elite school as a field, and examine intersecting elements of Doxa, Illusio, and Habitus. My Master's research was also grounded in elite institutions, considering turnover antecedents in pastoral middle management.

My fascination with elite schooling in England stems from my experience within it. Having been a science teacher for 20 years, half of this time was spent in the independent boarding schools’ sector, where I worked in a range of leadership posts including Deputy Head.  Within this time, I have also acted as a school governor, worked as a Designated Safeguarding Lead, Head of Boarding, and contributed as a reviewer for the Charted College of Teaching.

Research interests

The structure and social make-up (including ethos) of elite schooling

The implementation of RSE in secondary schools

Teacher discomfort within Sex Education

Teaching responsibilities

I currently teach across the School of Education Languages and Linguistics, working predominantly on the MSc in Educational Leadership and management and Doctor of Education programme, but also collaborate across a number of undergraduate and other postgraduate programmes to share my pedagogical experience as well as my knowledge of working in school management structures. I currently coordinate modules on the MSc Educational Leadership and Management, and Doctor of Education Programmes.