Professor Becky Francis has been appointed as the next Director of the UCL Institute of Education (IOE), with effect from 1 July 2016.
Professor Francis is currently Professor of Education and Social Justice, and Director of Research, Department of Education and Professional Studies, King’s College London. Her research has focused on social identities and educational inequalities. She has recently combined education policy work with her academic career. In 2015 she was appointed Standing Advisor to the Education Select Committee and provides a wide range of consultancy to Government and other stakeholder organisations.
Professor Francis’s policy research and analysis includes her recent influential work on ‘Satisfactory’ schools and on Academies. Her academic publications centre on social identities (gender, ‘race’ and social class) in educational contexts, social identity and educational achievement, and feminist theory.
Prior to joining King’s College London in 2012, Professor Francis was Director of the Pearson Think Tank, Pearson Plc and Director of Education, The Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (The RSA).
Professor Andrew Brown, Interim Director of the IOE, said: “This is a really exciting appointment for the IOE. Becky will bring energy and an outstanding record on engagement with policy and practitioner communities, as well as valuable leadership experience within and beyond academia – all of which will serve the IOE well in the next phase of its development. I will continue as Interim Director until the end of June, as part of which I will be working to provide a smooth handover for the new Director.”
Commenting on her appointment, Professor Francis said: “I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to lead the most prestigious education institution in the world. The merger with UCL has enhanced the Institute’s already world-leading reputation, and I look forward to working with staff and students to deliver on the next stage of our ambitious plans.”