Research

Our research generates cutting-edge evidence and theory which informs our teaching, consultancy and knowledge exchange work with schools and other educational settings in London, the United Kingdom and beyond. 

We are a nationally and internationally recognised leading voice for innovative research on educational leadership and organisational learning and development in early childhood, primary, secondary and post-compulsory sectors. 

Our research explores assumptions, processes and systems that shape and inform leadership, learning and development for individuals, teams, educational organisations and partnerships in diverse contexts, including schools, academies and multi-academy trusts (MATs) in England, and independent and international schools. 

We provide research-informed advice and guidance for educational leaders, managers and policy makers, focused on the impact of their strategies and actions. 

On this page

• Expertise
• Methodologies
• Themes
• Current projects
• Contact us 

Expertise

Our research group includes world-recognised academics, senior professors and a significant group of visiting professors and researchers. Centre members undertake research and evaluation projects and teach on our post-graduate programmes. This means that our programmes are at the cutting-edge of current research and thinking.

Methodologies

When undertaking research we use a range of quantitative and qualitative methodologies and draw on a number of social science disciplines and theoretical perspectives - this includes governance theory, organisational and institutional theory, knowledge mobilisation, ethical and social network theory, as well as theories of educational leadership, improvement and effectiveness.

Themes

Our research interests are wide-ranging and overlapping but broadly fall under the following four themes:

1. Leadership and leadership development in education 
2. Education policy analysis and system reform
3. Leadership of learning, evaluation and improvement
4. Leadership for wellbeing, social justice and equity.

Many of our researchers also publish in other fields, visit UCL Profiles for more information.

Current projects

• Research into the work engagement, wellbeing and retention of teachers and school leaders in England
• Evaluation of Education Development Trust: School Partnerships Programme
• Schools as enabling spaces to improve learning and health-related quality of life for primary school children in rural communities in South Africa
• Competitive effects of free schools on student outcomes in neighbouring schools
• Creating connections: learning from successful teaching schools
• Incentivising schools to take up evidence-based practice to improve teaching and learning: evidence from the evaluation of the Suffolk Challenge Fund.

See also:

• Featured research
• Creating Place and Belonging in Schools