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Major education reforms in England unveiled – here’s what the experts think

The UK government’s recently published proposed education reforms include measures to improve teacher recruitment, student achievement and belonging at school. Education experts, including Professor Stephen Gorard from our School of Education, share their thoughts on the proposals.
School children in a classroom with a teacher

Inequalities in spotting learning difficulties in schoolchildren

A major study has found that specific learning difficulties (SpLDs) like dyslexia are not being identified equally among school pupils in England.
A school child writing in an exercise book.

Associate Professor Cora Linling Xu wins award for her book 'The Time Inheritors'

Comparative and International Education Society's Higher Education SIG has named 'The Time Inheritors' Best Book in their 2026 Publication and Travel Awards.
The Time Inheritors by Dr Cora Lingling Xu

National pilot demonstrates the transformative power of teaching for creativity in the classroom 

A three-year national pilot has shown that embedding teaching for creativity in classrooms can transform teaching practice, improve student engagement, and help rekindle teachers’ passion in their profession.
A group of schoolchildren wearing blue uniforms standing on grass holding letters that read ''Creativity Matters'

Another kind of student debt is entrenching inequality

Dr Cora Lingling Xu from our School of Education argues that social inequality in education isn’t just about financial resources but also time inheritance, where some students start life with a cushion of time to explore opportunities while others begin with a deficit that forces them into rushed decisions and extended labour before they can pursue further study.
A couple of students working out their debt

Durham PhD student wins prestigious award for outstanding research in psychology

Congratulations to Dr Evelyn Mary-Ann Antony, a PhD student in our School of Education, who has won a prestigious award for her research in child psychology.
Dr Evelyn Anthony, PhD student at our School of Education, pictured inside Durham Cathedral

New project launches to address digital inclusion in North East England   

Researchers in our School of Education are launching a new project to strengthen digital inclusion and address longstanding digital inequalities across North East England. 
A close-up of a man's hands typing on a silver laptop with black buttons.

Global recognition for innovative teaching

The quality of teaching and learning that our students enjoy at Durham has been recognised at a global awards ceremony.
Three people holding an awards certificate

Breaking the sound barriers: Understanding the academic risks of mild and unilateral hearing loss

Imagine a busy classroom with children hearing and interpreting lots of sounds around them. PhD student, Katherine Collier, from our School of Education has looked at the academic impact on children with mild and unilateral hearing loss.
Young children sitting at a classroom table with the teacher doing crafts

Will England’s new reading test for secondary pupils be useful?

All secondary-age school pupils in year eight (aged 12 and 13) in England will be required by the government to take a reading test. The declared purpose is to help drive up reading standards so that “everyone can thrive”. Stephen Gorard, Professor in our School of Education, explores whether this additional test is a good idea.
A group of children in school uniform sitting round a table reading with a female teacher in a white shirt

Debate to consider SEND 'crisis'

A leading Member of Parliament (MP) will discuss how to solve the ‘crisis’ in how mainstream schools cater for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) when she speaks on campus in October.
A woman, visible from shoulders upwards, looking directly at camera

Specialised teachers can make mainstream schools better for children with special educational needs

Dr Johny Daniel, Associate Professor in our School of Education, explores what the UK government could do to ensure that children with special educational needs receive the support they need in mainstream schools.
A female teacher in a classroom leaning over a schoolboy to turn a page of a book as they both smile