Prof Simon Thompson

Professor Simon Thompson has been confirmed as the successor to Professor Gillian Hampden-Thompson as Head of the School of Education and Social Work.

Professor Hampden-Thompson has decided to step down from the role when her five-year term finishes at the end of 2021.

After being appointed interim Head of School in August 2016, she was appointed to the full role in January 2017.

Adam Tickell, the Vice-Chancellor, said: “Gillian has led the School with distinction during her tenure and has been an extremely valued member of the University’s leadership team.

“I admire Gillian’s empathetic and calm approach in keeping abreast of the ever-changing environment for both education and social work.

“She is highly engaged and absolutely committed and these are qualities that have played an important role in helping to build a successful School with a real sense of community.

“I’m sure she will continue to play a significant part in the School in the future as she focuses more time on her teaching and research.”

Professor Hampden-Thompson said: “I have truly enjoyed my time as the Head of School for Education and Social Work. It has been a privilege to work alongside some truly fantastic academics and professional services colleagues across the institution. I look forward to making a different contribution over the coming years but hopefully no less meaningful.”

Highly regarded for her research on inequality and social barriers both within the UK’s education system and internationally, Professor Hampden-Thompson’s previous positions include Director of Education Research at the University of York and research analyst at the American Institutes for Research in Washington, DC.

At the end of 2021, Professor Simon Thompson will step up from his current role as Deputy Head of School. His appointment as the next Head follows an open recruitment process within the School and had the unanimous support of the panel, which included a Senate representative.

Professor Tickell said: “Simon will bring excellent continuity having expertly fulfilled a number of leadership roles within the School over the past decade.

“He has considerable expertise in pedagogy and a deep understanding of the external and internal landscape around education and social work.

“While his background is in education, he has proven that he has the skills and experience to be an effective leader and champion for the whole School.”

Professor Thompson said: "It is a great honour to be appointed the new Head of School for ESW. I’m excited by the prospect of leading, as well as learning from and with, excellent colleagues and brilliant students as well as important local and global partners.

"The inclusivity, vibrancy and resilience of ESW have never been stronger thanks to the leadership of my colleague Professor Gillian Hampden-Thompson and the ongoing dedication of faculty and professional services.

"Our external environment is always changing and we will continue to encounter new challenges and opportunities. As such this school continues to have a significant role to play, within the University and beyond, in transforming the lives of individuals and communities, critiquing, informing and shaping policy and strengthening professional practice through our research, scholarship and teaching. I’m looking forward to working with everyone in ESW to make this happen.”

Professor Thompson’s association with Sussex dates back to 1994 when he studied for his PGCE and then a Masters in American History. He also did his PhD at Sussex.

After a number of years teaching History at Varndean College in Brighton, he returned to the University in 2002 as PGCE History Tutor and has subsequently taken on a number of leadership roles within the School including Director of Initial Teacher Education and Head of Education.