BEN THOMAS

Biography

Having worked at two British International schools, a private German primary school and an infant school in Southport, I bring extensive primary experience to my current role in the School of Initial Teacher Education at Edge Hill University. A keen linguist with a passion for language learning and development (Primary Languages, EAL and English), I am committed to sharing that enthusiasm with the next generation of teachers.

Teaching and Leadership Experience

Before joining Edge Hill, I taught pupils between the ages of 4 and 16, predominantly working with children in Key Stages 1 and 2. Along the way I took on key responsibilities that shaped school-wide development, including roles as:

• Subject Lead (English, Geography and Languages)
• Head of Department (EYFS and KS1)
• Co-Head / Academic Head of Primary.

Effective professional development for teachers matters deeply to me, and it was the driving force behind completing my National Professional Qualification in Leading Teacher Development (NPQLTD) and moving into Initial Teacher Education.

Academic Background

My academic journey reflects a long-standing interest in languages, multilingualism and leadership. I hold a BA (Hons) in Modern Languages (French and German) and a PGCE (QTS) in Primary Education with a specialism in MFL. My interest in school improvement then led me to complete a PgDip in Educational Leadership and Management.

I went on to earn an MA in Bilingualism and Multilingualism, where my research focused on Teacher Perspectives and Experiences of Systematic Synthetic Phonics for Bilingual Learners. I am currently undertaking an EdD exploring Student Teacher Awareness of Long-Term and Chronic Health Conditions, advancing knowledge and practice within inclusive education.

Further Involvement

I also stay connected to school governance and decision-making through my role as a Co-opted School Governor.

Teaching at Edge Hill

I teach across a range of modules on Edge Hill University's QTS Initial Teacher Education programmes, working with BA (Hons) and PGCE students at Levels 4–7. Most of my seminars and lectures cover the Primary Languages, English, Phonics and EAL elements of the course, and I serve as a Personal Academic Tutor for a group of undergraduate student teachers

• Primary Languages
• English as an Additional Language (EAL)
• Bilingualism and Multilingualism
• Subject Leadership 
• Initial Teacher Education
• Inclusion of Children with Medical Conditions