Since 2001, the Group has been involved in 19 externally funded projects with income of £1.2m. This work is complemented by a programme of research degrees, members of the Group having about 100 MPhil, EdD and PhD students registered at any one time.

Theme 1: Citizenship, participation and democracy

Work includes studies in the UK and overseas which complement each other about what is being learnt and understood on this theme in developing and more developed countries. Projects have also examined how schools and school systems impact on the people working in them.

Theme 2: School leadership and organization

Studies examine relationships between organizational factors and policies such as recruitment of school leaders and the impact of new models of school organization. Other work examines leadership in middle management in primary and secondary schools.

Theme 3: Workforce modernization

Projects have examined the impact of initiatives designed to improve organisational efficiency and alter the working patterns of teachers and other members of the school workforce. Other studies have compared the work of teachers with other professional groups.

Theme 4: Access and diversity in higher education

Studies have examined the experience of late entrants to higher education from non-formal backgrounds and the response of institutions to their needs.

Engagement with users

• Commissioned by government to inform national policy initiatives.
• Outputs on interventions to develop key personnel in schools.
• Formative evaluation on studies shaping the practice of teachers and their leaders.
• Papers, reports and seminars to conferences and government departments.

For further information, please contact Professor Hywel Thomas (Group Lead).