School of Education at Durham University

We were delighted to welcome Professor Michael Thomas, Chief Scientific Advisor at the Department for Education, to the School of Education today. The visit provided a valuable opportunity to share some of our latest research and discuss how it is helping to shape the education research landscape in England. We enjoyed a stimulating and insightful afternoon of discussion.

🧠 A major new study will provide the first national picture of how often pupils with and without special educational needs and disabilities ( ) are referred for, and diagnosed with, mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and stress-related disorders.

The research, funded by the Nuffield Foundation, will be carried out by our School of Education at Durham University. It will help to understand who's receiving support and where inequalities may exist.

Read more: https://brnw.ch/21x3XU2

Congratulations to all of our students who are graduating today. We are so proud of you and all your achievements!! Wishing you all every success for the future 🎓🎉🙌

Applications for the Edward Richardson Travel Bursary are still open!

This bursary, established in memory of Edward Richardson, provides up to £5,000 to support undergraduate students in the School of Education at Durham University to undertake the British Council English Language Assistant Programme.

If you are a BA Education or BA Primary Education undergraduate student in the school who has been accepted onto the British Council English Language Assistant Programme, sign up by 13th of July to receive an application form for the bursary: https://tinyurl.com/EdwardRichardsonBursary

Progress to Postgrad: Your Next Move Matters

Join our panel of experts to find out more about staying on at Durham for postgraduate study.

Have you heard about our alumni discount? Do you want to delve deeper into your current subject, or further enhance your career prospects by exploring a whole new field of study? Join us to hear from students who have been in your shoes, find out how to apply and what financial support is available - your next move could be closer than you think!

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🎉 Congratulations to Dr Yan Chen 陈嫣博士, who has successfully passed her PhD viva!

Dr Chen's research — "Understanding Students' Resilience: Teachers' Moral Judgements and Institutional Limits in Chinese Rural County-Seat Boarding High Schools" — offers important insights into the resilience of students in rural Chinese boarding schools. It's a proud moment for the School of Education at Durham University.

A huge congratulations also goes to the supervisory team: first supervisor Associate Professor Dr Cora Lingling Xu, second supervisor Assistant Professor Dr Antonia Manresa, and Professor Prue Holmes, who served as second supervisor before her retirement.

Thanks to external examiner Dr Siqi Zhang 张思齐博士, internal examiner Dr Anna Llewellyn, and viva chair Professor Mike Fleming for their vital contributions to this milestone.

Well done, Dr Chen! 🌟

Prepare for a world-class
university education

Spend 10 days living and studying
at Durham University, engaging with
new ideas in a range of disciplines,
exploring our historic city and
connecting with students from
around the world.

The Global Futures Summer School is a
residential programme for students
aged 16-17 including:

▪ Seminars taught by Durham academics
▪ College accommodation and
full supervision
▪ Cultural visits and evening activities

Deadline for applications is Friday 8 May 2026.

https://www.durham.ac.uk/departments/academic/education/cpd/global-futures-summer-school/