A century of teaching, learning, and impact. This year, the Institute of Education celebrates 100 years of shaping educators who inspire, lead, and innovate. Discover the legacy of classrooms past and present and see how we’re preparing teachers for the next 100 years.
Our centenary
Undergraduate
Emma: growing into teaching
Emma Straker progressed from Teaching Assistant to future teacher through the Foundation Degree in Children’s Development and Learning, building confidence and reflective practice along the way.
Ayishia: championing social justice
Ayishia Jones uses her studies to explore inequality in education, drawing on lived experience to advocate for more inclusive and equitable learning opportunities.
Angelos: broadening career horizons
Angelos Metaxas chose Education Studies for its flexibility and breadth, gaining insight into teaching, policy and psychology through academic study and placements.
Weitong: education across cultures
Weitong Liu explores global education systems and inequality, using her studies and placements to reflect on how teaching practices differ across countries.
Kelly: pursuing a lifelong ambition
Kelly Le Pennec returned to education as a mature student to train as a teacher, combining academic study with extensive school experience to build her career.
Jane: from industry to classroom
Jane Waters transitions from IT into education, using her Foundation Degree and BA to connect theory with practice and develop her teaching career.
Postgraduate
Edith: leading through self-development
Edith Alufohai developed her leadership practice through her studies, strengthening her confidence and expertise in education management.
Paul: leading education globally
Paul Hammond built on his PGCE to complete an MA in Education while working internationally, using his research on leadership to support school improvement across different countries.
ITT Alumni
Sarah: continuous professional development in action
Sarah Gresty progressed from PGCE study into early years leadership, continuing to develop her practice through further study and professional growth.
Francis: inspiring through geography
Francis Highton used his passion for geography to inspire students and develop his teaching practice and leadership ambitions.
Sarah: from industry to inclusive teaching
Sarah Barnard transitioned from IT into teaching, using her PGCE to build confidence and develop her practice in SEND education.
Laura: creativity in art education
Laura Prime combined her background in art and curation with teaching, inspiring students through creative and reflective practice.
Michael: making mathematics meaningful
Michael Hutchinson moved from actuarial science into teaching, developing engaging and effective approaches to secondary mathematics.
Sherine: hands-on primary teaching
Sherine Ahmed trained through a school-based route, developing her teaching skills through hands-on classroom experience.
Dolly: finding a teaching style
Dolly Churchill built confidence and creativity through varied placements, developing her own teaching style in English education.
PhD and EdD
Budor: improving support for children with ASD
Budor Hamid Saigh is a PhD researcher focused on improving understanding and support for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders through inclusive education research.
Sufang: advancing SEN inclusion in China
Sufang Li’s PhD research explores Special Educational Needs and inclusive education, helping to improve SEN understanding and practice in China.
EdD Alumni
Explore how our EdD graduates are using their research to influence teaching, leadership and practice across a range of education settings.
Experts in their field
Our community of educators and researchers is committed to transforming lives through learning.
Vincent: bringing maths to life through storytelling
Dr Natthapoj Vincent Trakulphadetkrai uses storytelling to make mathematics more engaging and accessible for learners, sharing his work with teachers around the world through the MathsThroughStories.org platform.
Suzanne: advancing language learning research
Professor Suzanne Graham’s research explores how learners develop motivation, confidence and skills in language learning, with a strong focus on improving teaching and learning practice internationally.
Meet our experts
Learn in an exciting environment where you'll be challenged and supported to thrive and grow as an individual.
Our research
Improving education and learning as a route to enhanced self-efficacy, economic well-being and life chances.
Climate and sustainability education
Learn how we are embedding climate and sustainability education in our teaching programmes, and why it is one of our key priorities.