Sussex appoints social justice expert to lead School of Education & Social Work

The University of Sussex has appointed a renowned social justice expert to lead the School of Education and Social Work (ESW).

Professor Gillian Hampden-Thompson, who has been interim Head of School since the beginning of August 2016, has now taken up the post permanently. She succeeds Professor Brian Hudson, who took up the post in 2012.

Highly regarded for her research on inequality and social barriers both within the UK’s education system and internationally, Professor Hampden-Thompson’s previous positions include Director of Education Research at the University of York and research analyst at the American Institutes for Research in Washington, DC.

Professor Hampden-Thompson, who started her career as a secondary school teacher, joined the University of Sussex in 2014, when she was appointed Director of the Centre for Teaching and Learning Research. Recent research includes funded projects for the Department for Education, HEFCE, and the Education Endowment Foundation.

Professor Hampden-Thompson said: “I am delighted and proud to be appointed the new Head of School for Education and Social Work – these are two of the most vital professions within our society and those working within them help make a difference to some of the world’s most vulnerable people.

“At a time when inequality is rife, it is a privilege to be able to lead a School which is producing ambassadors for social justice and cutting-edge research which is helping to transform the lives of millions of people across the world.”

Vice-Chancellor Adam Tickell said: “Gillian is a distinguished academic and champion of social justice with a wealth of experience in teaching and research. In her interim capacity she has led the school with distinction and I am thrilled that she is to become our new Head of School.

“Education and Social Work is a school which not only produces research which impacts on the whole of society – but our academics, students and alumni are also a vital part of the Brighton and Hove community, working with schools, the police and social workers to educate and protect the young and old.”

The School of Education and Social Work produces research on international education, teaching and learning, childhood and youth, wellbeing, social work and social care issues.