Stephanie Thomson

Dr. Stephanie Thomson is a Senior Lecturer in Educational Policy at the University of Aberdeen's School of Education. She joined the School in 2017 after previous roles at the University of Oxford, University of Manchester, and Durham University. Her research focuses on the impact of education policy and policy changes on disadvantaged groups, particularly children and young people living in poverty. She teaches the MEd Inclusive Practice and the Teaching Qualification in Further Education (TQFE) programs. Dr. Thomson's work bridges social policy and education, examining systemic policy effects and equitable outcomes.

Her research interests center on the effects of education policy and policy change on disadvantaged populations. She investigates policies aimed at addressing educational disparities, with a focus on how systemic policies influence access and outcomes for marginalized groups. Her work often explores post-16 transitions, regional variations in education opportunities, and the interplay between poverty and educational attainment. She employs mixed-methods approaches, including set-theoretic analysis and discourse analysis, to understand complex educational dynamics.

Recent publications highlight systemic inequities in post-16 transitions, vocational education policy, and inclusive digital learning design. Her work advocates for policy reforms to better support disadvantaged learners, informed by collaborative projects such as Nuffield Foundation-funded studies on regional educational disparities.

While no specific advising details are listed, her research collaborations suggest involvement in interdisciplinary teams addressing educational equity. Her work is supported by grants from the Nuffield Foundation, focusing on post-16 transitions in regions like the North of Tyne and Greater Manchester.