Nancy Barclay

Dr Nancy Barclay is a Principal Lecturer in Mathematics Education at the University of Brighton's School of Education, Sport and Health, specializing in primary mathematics education. She holds leadership roles including Quality Assurance Lead for the School and chair of the Quality and Standards Committee, with prior experience as a primary school teacher and local authority mathematics consultant.

Education:

• Professional Doctorate in Education (awarded 2018)

Research Interests:

Dr Barclay's work centers on the social context of primary mathematics learning, examining dialogue, equity, and policy impacts on classroom practice. She investigates how lower attaining pupils contribute in mixed attainment settings and explores collaborative teacher learning, mathematics anxiety, and school leadership through qualitative and mixed-methods approaches.

Publication Trends:

Her 15 most recent publications (2018-2025) reveal consistent focus on primary mathematics curriculum resources, with growing emphasis on textbook usage and equity. Key themes include lower attaining students' mathematical contributions, early years teaching practices, and UK/international research comparisons, often translating findings into practical guidance for educators.

Scientific Awards:

• Janet Duffin prize 2021 for outstanding contribution to Research in Mathematics Education

Advising and Grants:

She supervises MA, PhD, and EdD students on diverse mathematics education topics. Her grant portfolio includes:

• Nuffield Foundation project on textbook prevalence in primary mathematics (2021-2023)
• Education Endowment Foundation evidence review for early years teaching (2020)
• BSRLM conference proceedings research review (2003-2017)

Labs and Teams:

Dr Barclay contributes to the Education Research Excellence Group and serves as Executive Board Member and Treasurer of the British Society for Research into Learning Mathematics (2019-2022), actively bridging academic research and classroom practice in primary mathematics education.