Professor Ann-Marie Bathmaker - Inaugural Professorial Lecture

The perfect education for a person like me: vocational education and the “ordinary”, the “overlooked”, and the under-served 40%

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Ann-Marie Bathmaker is Professor of Vocational and Higher Education in the School of Education at the University of Birmingham. Her research interests include vocational education and the interface between further and higher education. She is particularly interested in the changing experience of learning, education and training amongst those who do not follow traditional smooth learning trajectories. Her empirical research and writing are concerned with the opportunities and constraints of vocational and higher education, and the implications for equity and social justice.

In her inaugural lecture she explores the vexed problem of vocational education in England and its long-standing role as education for other people’s children. From alternative routes for 14-19 year olds to vocational routes in higher education, vocational education is associated with how the other half learns – those who do not get A*-C at GCSE, do not take A-levels, and do not progress to selective universities. With renewed calls for improved vocational pathways, she considers the dilemma that has haunted vocational education and those who are engaged in it for many years – does diversity provide greater opportunities for under-served and overlooked learners and students, or does it divert those students onto less-valued routes, that naturalise continuing inequalities in education and beyond.

The inaugural will be followed by a drinks reception.

We look forward to seeing you at Professor Bathmaker’s Inaugural Lecture. As places are limited, do book early. If we can be of any assistance, please do get in touch.