Simon Halfhead

Simon Halfhead is a Senior Lecturer in Primary Initial Teacher Training at the University of Wolverhampton, affiliated with the School of Education within the Faculty of Education, Health & Wellbeing. He leads the Graduate Employment-based Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) program and oversees primary recruitment and English modules across undergraduate and postgraduate routes.

• Education: BEd in Primary Education (QTS) (2012–2015), University of Wolverhampton
• Qualifications: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (M), PG Certificate (2022), and MA in Education (ongoing, 2023–2025)

Research Interests: Halfhead focuses on early neurocognitive science, the impact of premature birth on child development, and school culture in primary recruitment. His work critically examines educational assessments and their implications for early years education.

Publications Trend: His recent research centers on statutory reception baseline assessments in England, addressing controversies in standardized testing and its effects on curriculum design and teacher autonomy. Themes include educational policy, developmental psychology, and pedagogical reform.

Industry Experience: He has served as a teacher and senior leader in Sandwell and Staffordshire, contributing to practical training and leadership in primary education settings.