Rachel Mathieson

Rachel Mathieson is a Research Fellow at the University of Leeds' School of Education, affiliated with the Centre for Curriculum, Pedagogy and Policy. She holds a DPhil in Education and a PhD in Music Education. Her work bridges teaching and research, with a focus on post-16 education policy, core maths qualifications, and teacher well-being. She has extensive experience in primary, secondary, and higher education, including roles as a school teacher and director of music in a sixth-form college.

Her research investigates teachers' workplace conflicts and the mental health crisis affecting educators. She collaborates closely with teaching unions, integrating their insights into her studies. Rachel led qualitative research for the Nuffield Foundation-funded core maths project, analyzing its implementation across England. She also contributes to BERA (British Educational Research Association), including co-authoring a blog on core maths' curriculum integration.

• Awards: 2025 BERA Doctoral Thesis and Masters Dissertation Awards
• Grants: Nuffield Foundation (Core Maths Project)

Rachel’s affiliations include the Centre for Curriculum, Pedagogy and Policy, where she explores policy impacts on teaching practices and student outcomes. She maintains musical involvement through leading a choir and orchestra, reflecting her interdisciplinary approach to education.