Alexandra Allan

Professor Alexandra Allan is a faculty member in the School of Education at the University of Exeter, specializing in the Sociology of Education. Her research focuses on gender, social class, ethnicity, academic achievement, and educational transitions across stages of education and employment. She holds a PhD from Cardiff University (2007) and has significant methodological expertise in ethnography, visual methods, and participatory research with children. She teaches on research programs such as the MSc in Education Research and supervises PhD students exploring educational inequalities.

• Education:
• PhD: 'Struggling for success: an ethnographic exploration of young femininities in a private, single-sex primary school' (Cardiff University, 2004–2007)
• MSc Social Science Research Methods (Distinction, Cardiff University, 2002–2004)
• BSc Sociology and Education (First Class, Cardiff University, 1999–2002)
• Professional Recognition: Advance HE Fellowship (FHEA)
• Methodologies: Longitudinal qualitative research, interview/blog/diary methods, participatory research with youth.

Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education), 1 (No Poverty), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), 5 (Gender Equality), and 3 (Good Health and Well-Being). She actively contributes to committees, consultancy, and peer review in education policy and equity-focused initiatives.