About

I am a lecturer and researcher in the Institute of Education. 

Having previously been a teacher in a pupil referral unit, I have a background in SEND and a particular research interest in school exclusion and social justice. 

I work on several projects within the Inclusion and SEND research cluster, including an evaluation of Pride Groups in schools, Young Researchers Young Voices, Regional Youth Assembly and school-based Action Research. 

Other current research includes Governance in Alternative Provision and Arts Education in Alternative Provision. I am a committee member of the AP Research Network. 

Recent teaching responsibilities include the BA SEND programme and contributions on inclusion and exclusion in other programmes across the Institute. 

My work draws on Critical Realism, in particular the work of Margaret Archer, and I am an active member of several Critical Realism reading and discussion groups. 

Research interests

I am interested in:

• issues of inclusion and exclusion
• school exclusion linked to SEND, class and the reproduction of inequalities
• critical realism
• social justice and social change

Membership of professional bodies

• British Educational Research Association
• British Sociological Association
• British Academy Early Career Network
• Alternative Provision Research Network

Qualifications

• PhD. 'You don't go here anymore': an exploration of school exclusion. 
• MA SEND and Inclusion
• National Award for SEND Co-ordination
• Specialist Teacher for students with specific learning difficulties (dyslexia)
• PGCE (Secondary)

Recent publications

Pennacchia, J, Axler, M, King, S, Clapham, A (2025) Choice and diversity in governance in the English alternative provision sector: Implications for educational equity.  

King, S (2024) "You don't go here anymore": an exploration of school exclusion