Getty images primary school child 

Research in Plymouth Institute of Education (PIOE) is both excellent and highly distinctive, with its lifelong and life-wide approach; foregrounding the vital role learning plays in society and culture. Our researchers explore how and why people learn at every stage of life, from babies to the very old. They conduct research in nurseries, schools, colleges and universities, but also in multiple informal contexts: in the home, at work, in nature, in the community, in arts and leisure and in volunteering and activism.

We have strong research links and networks across the world and a wide range of externally funded national and international research projects. Through our four nodes of research excellence: Children and Families, Learning outside Formal Education, Inclusion and Education Policy world-leading academics work with colleagues, doctoral students, international fellows and practitioners, promoting a vibrant and participative research culture. Our wide range of specialist interests include: philosophy for children, outdoor learning, comparative education policy, autism, rural education, posthumanism and maths education. Theoretical innovation and participative methodologies combine with promoting social justice: impacting positively on practices and policies, both locally and globally, for example in University Practice Partnerships.

Our research excellence nodes

Mathematics teacher with class of students - education

Thinking Education

Our blog 'Thinking Education' details how our research relates to practice.

University Practice Partnerships

The University Practice Partnerships (UPPScale) group includes a variety of education settings such as alternative, special education and mainstream education and we actively promote a diverse range to match our research expertise and student interests.
Getty image of school children, pupils, classroom, primary, UPPScale