Personal statement

Libby’s PhD topic examines the impact of University Technical Colleges in England. The study will focus on whether University Technical Colleges fulfil their own aims and objectives; whether University Technical Colleges challenge the tradition function of vocational education, in regards to gender, race and/or class. It will also focus on staff, student, parent, sponsor perspectives on employability and the role of so-called ‘employer-based pedagogy’.

She has worked within academy schools as well as alternative provisions, where she has become more interested in vocational education, preparedness for work and life skills.

Academic qualifications

  • BSc (Hons) Social Sciences, University of Kent
  • MEd Psychology of Education, University of Bristol

Thesis title

  • The Impact of University Technical Colleges

Research interests

  • Vocational and technical education
  • Preparedness for work
  • Life skills.

Research supervisors

  • Professor Charlotte Chadderton
  • Dr Richard Riddell