Nicola Preston

Nicola Preston is a Senior Lecturer in Education (SEN and Inclusion) at the University of Northampton, within the Faculty of Health, Education and Society and the Education Centre for Education and Research. She serves as Deputy Head of Education and leads the National Award in SEN Co-ordination programme. She also contributes to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, including collaboration with Psychology on the Education Mental Health Practitioner programme.

Education:

• PhD in Stories of Restorative Justice and School Exclusion: An Autoethnography of Relational Understanding, University of Northampton (2021)
• Master in Education, University of Northampton (2013)
• Master in Restorative Practices and Relationships, University of Chester (2012)
• PGCE in National Award in SEN Co-ordination, University of Northampton (2011)
• PGCE in Advanced Educational Practice, Oxford Brookes University (2009)
• BA (Hons) in Psychology, University of Reading (1985)

Nicola's research and teaching focus on inclusive education, special educational needs, restorative justice, and the social and emotional aspects of learning. Her work emphasizes relational approaches to school exclusion and trauma-informed practices. She integrates psychological frameworks such as Affect Script Psychology into educational contexts to support student well-being and inclusion.

Her recent publications explore the application of restorative justice in schools, highlighting its potential to reduce exclusion and improve student relationships. These works reflect a consistent focus on equity, mental health, and systemic change in education.

Scientific Affiliations and Memberships:

Nicola has extensive professional experience as a former police officer and primary school teacher, SEN co-ordinator, and safeguarding lead in high-deprivation areas. She brings over 25 years of practical and research experience in restorative practices to her academic role. She has organized academic events such as the Centre for Education and Research 'Summer Programme 2024' and continues to present nationally and internationally on restorative justice and inclusion.

She supervises doctoral research and is actively involved in research and policy development. Her work bridges academic theory and classroom practice, aiming to transform educational systems through restorative and inclusive principles.