Education for Social Justice

The Education for Social Justice group works on a range of different projects with the aim of promoting wider social inclusion, improving pupils’ learning outcomes and enhancing democratic educational process and active citizenship.

Our aim

Social justice in education works on the premise that access to the same quality of educational processes should be equitable, even if there are unequal outcomes as a consequence.

As a result, researchers in the Education Department are currently involved in a range of different projects to support social justice. For example, a study carried out in Staffordshire schools investigated what influences children in their life choices and motivates the development and realisation of their aspirations. Another project is an Erasmus+ funded project partnership between 4 EU countries (UK, Italy, Portugal and Lithuania) where the aim is to boost parental engagement in schools. Through the development of innovative methods, it is envisaged the project will promote wider social inclusion, improve pupils’ learning outcomes and enhance democratic educational process and active citizenship.

Group leader

Dr Jim Pugh

Director - Inst. Of Ed. - Assoc Prof.

I am proud to be the Director of the Institute of Education leading an innovative group of professionals, educators, researchers and working with our creative and exciting students, partners and community.

Jim's profile

Researchers within Education for Social Justice

Professor Gillian Forrester

Professor Of Education Policy

I lead the Professional Doctorate in Education (EdD), which is a vibrant research degree programme for professional educators. I supervise doctoral students (PhD and EdD) and I am involved in several externally funded research projects.

Gillian's profile

Dr Lynn Machin

Senior Lecturer

I have 25 years teaching experience in further and higher education. For much of this time I've been involved in leadership, management and curriculum development within FE and HE.

Lynn's profile

Dr Jo Basford

Associate Professor Of Education

Education is transformative. It enables us to see the world differently, to challenge our thinking and to try new things. My ambition is that student’s learning with the Institute of Education will be a transformative experience.

Jo's profile

Dr Duncan Hindmarch

Course Director

My enthusiasm for learning led me to qualify, design and deliver to initial and subject specialist teacher training courses. I have an interest in developing virtual learning environments to support learning.

Duncan's profile

Dr Michael Burnitt

Senior Lecturer

I am the joint lead of this course and take great pride in working with my experienced colleagues and our partnership schools to create the next generation of exciting and innovative primary teachers who will help to shape their pupils’ futures.

Michael's profile

Sarah Misra

Senior Lecturer

Sarah is passionate about social justice and inclusion and ensuring that all children are offered a rich and varied curriculum at primary level. Her Masters in Special Educational Needs looked at improving access to support for parents.

Sarah's profile

Dr Ruth Hudson

P/T Lecturer (Hrly) - Education

Ruth's profile

Heather Eggins

P/T Lecturer (Hrly) - Education

My research interests lie in the area of policy and strategy in higher education, with a particular interest in access issues and the impact of globalisation.

Heather's profile

Our projects

in the UK for Quality Education

Sustainable Development Goal 4, Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021