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Engaging children with literature is the key to get them reading

On World Book Day, Thursday 7 March, Professor David Waugh, from our School of Education, discusses his approach to how he goes about getting children engaged with reading.
Professor David Waugh standing in front of a whiteboard holding two books he has written.

Durham research has a lasting global impact

We have launched a new Global Research Brochure where we shine a light on some of our incredible researchers who are making a difference in the world.
A globe with lines showing connections between different parts of the world.

How educational scholarships can help create long lasting peace

The sixth United Nations International Day of Education will be celebrated on Wednesday 24 January, with a theme of ‘learning for lasting peace’. Our PhD student Anas N. Almassri is exploring how Palestinians receiving scholarships are using these educational opportunities to build everyday peace.
Mr Anas Almassri delivering a talk in Gaza in 2018. Credit: Nada Flaifel, Me To You Initiative

Girls less likely to be diagnosed with special educational needs – new research

Dr Johny Daniel, Assistant Professor in our School of Education, discusses his research into why girls are less likely to be diagnosed with special educational needs.
A young schoolgirl around 5-10 years old

Why are so many graduates shunning teaching? Pay – but not bonuses – could be the answer

Professor Stephen Gorard and Professor Beng Huat See from our School of Education explain how their research suggests that rather than putting money into bonuses for new teachers, the government should focus on improving the overall financial rewards of teaching to increase the number of applications to teacher training.
Group of students talking

Helping schools face the challenges of staff recruitment and retention

Our researchers at the School of Education have contributed to a series of reports aimed at helping schools in disadvantaged areas attract and retain high-quality teachers.
A female teacher talking to a classroom of pupils with their hands raised

Should you send your child to an academy or a council-run school? Why Ofsted results don’t mean much

Should you send your child to an academy or a council-run school? Stephen Gorard, Professor of Education and Public Policy, in our School of Education, explains why Ofsted results are not that useful to parents when making this decision.
Primary school children in a classroom

I spent the last six months travelling alongside commuter students. Here's what I learned

New research from the Sutton Trust suggests that more undergraduate students than previous years could be living at home and commuting to university, yet conversation is lacking around UK commuter students in our current post-COVID climate and on-going cost of living crisis. Emma Maslin, a PhD researcher in our School of Education, spent time with student commuters to find out more about their experiences.
The inside of a bus; passengers are sitting on seats and standing holding the rail

Grammar school system does not boost grades and could be detrimental to some

New research involving our Evidence Centre for Education has found no obvious difference in GCSE grades between regions in England who use a selective grammar-school system and those that don’t and suggests that the chances of scoring the top GCSE grades are lower in grammar-school areas.
Image showing students and teacher in classroom setting

Study reveals ethnic disproportion between teachers and pupils in England

Our Evidence Centre for Education (DECE) has analysed the ethnic disproportion between students and teachers in English schools.
A child with their hand raised in a classroom with a teacher in the background in front of a blackboard

Poorer pupils do worse at school – here’s how to reduce the attainment gap

Professor Stephen Gorard from our School of Education explains what the poverty attainment gap is and how we can reduce it.
Students in a classroom.

Ofsted inspections cause teachers stress and aren’t backed up by strong evidence – things could be done differently

Dr Karen Jones from our School of Education explains the downfalls of the Ofsted system.
sad teacher