Penny Hay

Dr. Penny Hay is a Professor of Imagination and Reader in Creative Teaching and Learning at Bath Spa University's School of Education. She leads the Creative Pedagogy Strand in the Centre for Policy, Pedagogy and Practice and co-chairs eARTh (Education, Arts & Environment), focusing on sustainability and creativity. Her roles include membership in multiple advisory groups such as the Crafts Council Learning and Development Advisory Group and HundrED Advisory Group. Hay holds Honorary Fellowships from University Arts Plymouth and is part of the Faculty for The Future of Flourishing.

Her educational background includes a PhD and MEd from Bath Spa University. Research interests span creative pedagogy, arts integration, and environmental education, with signature projects like House of Imagination and the Forest of Imagination. Recent work includes the Global Challenges Research project in Dharavi, Mumbai, and the Interstice Erasmus+ project with international partners.

Publications emphasize creativity in education, pedagogical innovation, and community engagement. Key articles discuss creative activism, experimental learning spaces, and the role of imagination in child development. Awards include recognition from Action for Children’s Arts and the Thornton Education Trust. Hay also serves as a visiting lecturer at Plymouth College of Art and contributes to policy initiatives through roles like Co-chair of RSA Bath and the South West Creative Education Network.