Professor Gillian Hampden-Thompson will be leaving Sussex after eight years to take up a new position as Head of College at Durham University.

Professor Hampden-Thompson, joined the School of Education and Social Work (ESW) in November 2014, and held the position of Head of School for ESW from 2016 to 2021.

She stepped down from the role after five years when Professor Simon Thompson succeeded her.

Gillian said: “I have really loved my time at Sussex and I will miss terribly the wonderful staff and students. I am really looking forward to my new role at Durham University and the opportunities it will bring.”

Head of School Simon Thompson said: “Gillian has provided inspirational leadership to the School of Education and Social Work. She has made a very significant contribution to the work of the university, and an enormous difference to staff and students alike – not least through the extraordinary challenges of the Covid pandemic. She is enormously well-respected by colleagues for the kindness and strength of her leadership, and much admired for her continued commitment to both teaching and research during her time as Head of School. She will be very much missed, but I know I speak on behalf of the whole School in wishing Gillian all the very best for her future role.”

Gillian has 25 years’ experience working in higher education both in the UK and USA. She has spent her whole professional career working with young people and students as a secondary school teacher, a sports coach, a college governor, a university lecturer, and a researcher.

Prior to her role at Sussex, Gillian was the Director of Research in the Department of Education at York and from 2004 to 2008 a research analyst at the American Institutes for Research in Washington DC.

Gillian holds three degrees in the field of Education, including a PhD in Educational Theory and Policy from the Pennsylvania State University, USA.

Gillian takes up her position in July this year.