Laura Kayes

Research Bio

Laura is currently studying for her doctorate in education (Ed.D). Laura’s research interests lie in cultural heritage, social equity, and class. Her doctoral research explores practitioner interpretations of education policy, particularly in relation to class-based hierarchies of knowledge systems.

Laura has worked in the further education sector since 2013, first as a music and performing arts teacher, before moving into an advanced practitioner role with a central teaching and learning team. Laura currently teaches in Luminate University Centre’s teacher training, learning and development department and is a proud Governor with Hartlepool College of Further Education.

Call for action

I am actively looking for colleges to participate in my doctoral research.

Contact information

Website

LinkedIn profile

Blue Sky: @laurakayes.bsky.social

Research Outputs

Publications

• Rooted Learning: Education for roots and wings
• And Colleges: The rise of practitioner research as resistance in England's further education colleges
• Scottish Colleges: The Wren’s Nest

AoC Think Further:

• FE pay: why we need to look beyond short-term, targeted incentives
• How to cultivate a research culture in your college
• Why I believe there is a problem with social mobility
• Engaging with Research as a Further Education Practitioner
• 10 things I learnt at AoC’s EDI conference
• Assimilation forces us to miss out on essential cultural learnings
• Creating a safe space for other peoples' children in colleges
• Growing up poor: I never felt lacking, I felt misunderstood

Activities and events:

• Association of Colleges Annual Conference (2022)
• Association of Colleges Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Conference (2023)
• Learning and Skills Research Network Conference (2023)
• The Festival of Education (2023)
• Keynote speaker / research sharing: Coleg Sir Gar, Luminate Education Group, City of Bristol College, Ashton Sixth Form College, Exeter College, Edinburgh College, University Centre Leeds
• Association of Colleges Annual Conference (2024)

• Inclusive Leadership Webinar (ETF, 2023)
• The FE Research Podcast (2023)
• Education and Training Foundation: Poverty and Mental Health Webinar (2024)

Research Networks

• A proud friend and advocate of the JoyFE and AmplifyFE communities
• Member of the British Educational Research Association