Welcome! I’m so glad you’re visiting us.
The EA is a subject association and learned society for English which covers the whole subject from primary and early years education, through secondary and further education, to higher education and beyond.
The EA exists to bring the subject community together for support, collaboration, and collective action. As the CEO, it is my privilege to create the right conditions for the right people to come together to make interventions that will promote, support, and defend our discipline. Our brilliant staff team, dedicated trustees, and hardworking volunteers strive to empower educators to advocate for our discipline, to equip everyone invested in our discipline with the right tools and information so that they can provide confident, informed teaching and leadership.
We’re working to champion the expertise that our educators have as subject experts, and to offer opportunities to develop that subject knowledge by giving access to the latest research and thinking. We’re working not just to celebrate what English is, and all it can do for us, but to explore what English needs to become to stay relevant in our changing world.
We need your help to keep doing this work. By joining us as a member, you are directly supporting our charitable objectives, working with us to foster excellence in English teaching and research; to connect teachers, lecturers, and other professionals in schools, colleges, and universities; and to promote the study and enjoyment of English in all its forms, including literature, language, and creative writing.
I hope to see you at one of our events, where you can be part of the conversation and shape our work. If you want to know more, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me on ceo@englishassociation.ac.uk.
Thank you for supporting the EA.
Dr Rebecca Fisher, CEO
Board of Trustees
The English Association is overseen by a Board of Trustees which has overall responsibility for the organisation. Trustees ensure that the English Association is run in accordance with the law and our charitable objectives.
Trustees meet four times a year to consider the strategy and policy of the English Association.
A team of Officers, led by the Chair and Deputy Chair, are tasked with leading the strategic development of the English Association.
Officers
David Duff
David Duff is Professor of Romanticism and Director of Recruitment and Admissions in the School of the Arts at Queen Mary University of London. He is a former Chair of the Council for College and University English (now University English) and of the Common English Forum. Previously Chair of the Board of Trustees and now President of the EA, he chairs the Fellowship Committee.
Jenny Richards
Professor Jenny Richards, FEA FBA FRHistS is the English (2001) Chair in the Faculty of English at Cambridge University, and a Visiting Professor at Newcastle University. Jenny chaired the Higher Education Committee for a decade, and in addition to her role as Chair, is leading the EA’s work in advocacy for the discipline.
Alex Thomson
Professor Alex Thomson FEA is Professor of Modern Literature and Critical Theory at the University of Edinburgh, and Head of the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures. In addition to his role as Deputy Chair of the EA, Alex chairs the Publications Committee. He is a former Chair of University English.
Elizabeth Draper
Elizabeth Draper FEA has over 30 years’ teaching experience in both Sixth Form Colleges and colleges of Further Education. She now works freelance providing CPD and mentoring and is also a member of the OCR English curriculum consortium, the AQA English Discussion Forum, and the JOYFE movement. Elizabeth is an active participant in projects and research, with a focus on GCSE English resits.
Helen Wallace FCA
After taking an English degree at the University of London, Helen Wallace moved into finance, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant with PricewaterhouseCoopers. Since moving into industry, she has held a variety of senior Finance and HR roles, gaining wide strategic and operational experience in international FTSE companies. Helen is Chair of the Finance Committee.
Other Trustees
Kirsty Armstrong (Government Digital Service)
Professor Katherine Baxter, Northumbria University (Chair of the Higher Education Committee)
Matt Carnaby, Director of Curriculum and Education (Astrea Academy Trust) (Chair of the Secondary and Further Education Committee)
Lucy Cuthbertson, Director of Education (Learning) (Shakespeare’s Globe)
Barbara Davidson, non-practising solicitor
Dr Fiona Douglas, Associate Professor in English Language (University of Leeds)
Professor Martin Halliwell, Professor of American Studies (University of Leicester)
Kirstie Hewett, School Improvement Specialist – English and Senior Lecturer (University of Chichester) (Chair of the Primary and Early Years Education Committee)
Cassie Martin, secondary English teacher
Tracey Maloney, Director (e-Qualitas)
Professor Anshuman Mondal, Professor of Modern Literature (University of East Anglia)
Julia Morris, Associate Lecturer and publishing expert
Katie Sergeant, Secondary and Revision Publisher (Collins)
Professor Alex Thomson, Head of the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (University of Edinburgh)
Professor Greg Walker, Regius Professor of Rhetoric and English Literature (University of Edinburgh)
Workstream leads
Lead for Cross-Sector Educational Policy: Professor Robert Eaglestone FEA, Professor of English (Royal Holloway, University of London)
In this role, Professor Eaglestone
- proactively works to develop the EA’s educational policy for the discipline of English;
- supports the CEO and officers in building and maintaining cross-sector relationships and networks, within the EA and externally;
- identifies opportunities for productive cross-sector working in pursuit of the EA’s goals and works with the CEO to pursue agreed opportunities;
- represents the EA at cross-sector events.
Lead for Skills for the Future of English: Professor Cathy Shrank FEA, Professor of English (University of Sheffield)
In this role, Professor Shrank
- leads the development and implementation of the EA’s Skills for the Future project;
- undertakes research in pursuit of the aims of the Skills for the Future project;
- identifies opportunities for additional skills-focused work for the EA to pursue, and proactively horizon-scans for skills-related information, research, and activity;
- represents the EA at skills-focused events.
Lead for Oracy: Dr Tom F. Wright FEA (University of Sussex)
In this role, Dr Wright:
- proactively works to develop the EA’s oracy policy for the discipline of English;
- supports the CEO and officers in building and maintaining relationships and networks, within the EA, and externally with oracy-related individuals and organisations;
- proactively seeks out and shares information across the EA about developments in oracy education research, policy, and practice relevant to English Studies;
- represents the EA at oracy-related events.
Staff
Led by the Chief Executive Officer, our dedicated team of staff oversee day-to-day operations.
Chief Executive Officer
Dr Rebecca Fisher is the Chief Executive Officer of the English Association. Her interests include early English language and literature, playfulness in education, and bringing academics, independent scholars, and the public together. Alongside her role at the EA, Becky also sits on the Board of Directors for the Council for Subject Associations, an umbrella organisation that represents subject associations nationally and allows them to speak with a single voice on key issues and consultations. As a Director of the CfSA, Becky is building links between subjects for mutual advocacy, and strengthens the EA’s connections with policy makers and other key stakeholders in the education landscape.
Administration Officer
Lily Moran
Finance Officer
Claire Barlow
Committees
All our committees report to the Board of Trustees. Each is tasked with oversight of a different part of the EA’s work.
- The Education Committees work to support and defend the discipline of English by addressing topical developments, responding to national consultations, liaising with other organisations, and organising events. The three Committees focus on different stages of education, with cross-representation to ensure a unified voice
- The Finance Committee monitors the EA’s financial situation, monitors and implements new financial strategies, reviews the grading and remuneration of the staff team, and advises the Board on risk.
- The Fellowship Committee promotes and develops the Fellowship of the English Association by overseeing the nomination process, encouraging Fellows to be actively involved with the work of the English Association, and facilitating activities proposed and organised by Fellows.
- The Publications Committee oversees our portfolio of publications and is responsible for quality control, editorial policy, and commercial development. The Committee brings together the editors of our journals and book series as well as representatives of our publishing partners.
Higher Education Committee
Chair: Professor Katherine Baxter, Northumbria University
Professor Marc Alexander, University of Glasgow
Dr Amjad Alshalan, King Saud University
Professor Isobel Armstrong, Birkbeck, University of London
Professor Martin Halliwell, University of Leicester
Dr Elspeth Jajdelska, Strathclyde University
Dr Suzanne Joinson, University of Chichester
Professor Claire Jowitt, University of East Anglia
Dr Nicole King, Exeter College, University of Oxford
Professor Clare Lees, School of Advanced Study, University of London (Institute of English Studies representative)
Dr Andrea Macrae, Oxford Brookes University
Dr Lyndsay Miller, University of Glasgow International College
Professor Anshuman Mondal, University of East Anglia
Dr Sarah Olive, Aston University
Professor Lynda Pratt, University of Nottingham
Dr Bronwen Price, Independent Scholar
Professor Antony Rowland, Manchester Metropolitan University
Dr Rachel Roberts, Reading University
Dr Maggie Scott, Independent Scholar
Dr Kate Walchester, Liverpool John Moores University (University English representative)
Dr Rachel Willie, Liverpool John Moores University
Dr Harvey Wiltshire, Royal Holloway, University of London
Dr John Wrighton, University of Aberdeen
Secondary and Further Education Committee
Chair: Matt Carnaby, Director of Curriculum and Education (Astrea Academy Trust)
Deputy Chair: Hollie Barnes-Lomax, Lecturer in Education and Training (Cambridge Regional College)
Freddie Baveystock, English teacher (Harris Westminster Sixth Form)
Elizabeth Draper, post-16 English and Education Specialist
Joan Foley, Lecturer in Arts and Humanities (Open University)
Chris Green, Director of English and Drama (The Perse School, Cambridge) (co-Editor of The Use of English)
Kirsty Haughton, Head of English and Literacy at Nottingham College
Jo Heathcote, English curriculum and assessment consultant
Dr Brittany Kuhn, English teacher at Suffolk New College (co-Editor of The Use of English)
Tracey Maloney, Director (e-Qualitas)
Dr Rebecca Morris, Reader in Education Studies (University of Warwick)
Sarah Mullin, Visiting Professor of Education (Sunderland University)
Afsan Redwan, Deputy Head: Sixth Form (Milton Keynes College Group)
Angela Rodrigues, Deputy Head of Sixth Form (The Cotswold School)
Maud Sampson, Head of English and Media Studies (Central Foundation Girls’ School)
Helen Thomson, doctoral student and experienced teacher
Primary and Early Years Education Committee
Chair: Kirstie Hewett Senior Lecturer and School Improvement Specialist (University of Chichester)
Jo Beer, Senior Lecturer in Primary Education (University of Chichester)
Sonia Carvell, primary school teacher
Megan Dixon, Director of Literacy at MAT, Research and Development Lead for the Aspirer Teaching School, and Director of a Research School
Jake Hope, Reading development and children’s book consultant
Suzanne Hughes, teacher with expertise in oracy and drama
Philip McCahill, Assistant Headteacher and All-through Reading Lead
Mia Sneyd, Educational Consultant and English Specialist
Laura Spargo, Education Consultant and Primary English Specialist
Alison Spicer, Assistant Headteacher (Teaching, Learning, and Language Development)
Finance Committee
Chair: Helen Wallace, Honorary Treasurer
Elizabeth Draper, Deputy Chair of the EA
Professor David Duff, President of the EA
Dr Becky Fisher, CEO of the EA
Professor Jenny Richards, Chair of the EA
Professor Alex Thomson, Deputy Chair of the EA
Fellowship Committee
Chair: Professor David Duff, President of the EA
Professor Bryan Cheyette, University of Reading
Dr Jenny Bavidge, University of Cambridge
Dr Anna Budziak, University of Wroclaw
Kathy Halliday, GCSE Teacher (Digital And Creative Industries), Barnsley College (Fellows Award winner 2025)
Professor Ann Heilmann, Cardiff University
Professor Jeremy Smith, University of Glasgow
Professor Greg Walker, University of Edinburgh
Dr Gillian Woods, Birkbeck, University of London
Publications Committee
Chair: Professor Alex Thomson (Deputy Chair of the EA)
Dr Zoe Hope Bulaitis, University of Birmingham
Becky Cole, Northumbria University
Professor Orietta da Rold (University of Cambridge)
Ella Taylor, School Librarian (Harris Westminster Sixth Form)
Helen Wallace, Honorary Treasurer of the EA
Once per year, all the editors of our publications attend a meeting of the Publications Committee.
EA Hubs Advisory Group
Dr Freddie Baveystock (member of SFEC)
Tracey Maloney (member of SFEC)
Dr Rachel Roberts (member of HEC)
Angela Rodrigues (member of SFEC)
Professor Emma Smith, Hertford College, Oxford University
Dr Richard Stacey
Dr Harvey Wiltshire, Royal Holloway, University of London
Dr John Wrighton, University of Aberdeen (member of HEC)
- Board of Trustees
-
Board of Trustees
The English Association is overseen by a Board of Trustees which has overall responsibility for the organisation. Trustees ensure that the English Association is run in accordance with the law and our charitable objectives.
Trustees meet four times a year to consider the strategy and policy of the English Association.
A team of Officers, led by the Chair and Deputy Chair, are tasked with leading the strategic development of the English Association.
Officers
David Duff
David Duff is Professor of Romanticism and Director of Recruitment and Admissions in the School of the Arts at Queen Mary University of London. He is a former Chair of the Council for College and University English (now University English) and of the Common English Forum. Previously Chair of the Board of Trustees and now President of the EA, he chairs the Fellowship Committee.
Jenny Richards
Professor Jenny Richards, FEA FBA FRHistS is the English (2001) Chair in the Faculty of English at Cambridge University, and a Visiting Professor at Newcastle University. Jenny chaired the Higher Education Committee for a decade, and in addition to her role as Chair, is leading the EA’s work in advocacy for the discipline.
Alex Thomson
Professor Alex Thomson FEA is Professor of Modern Literature and Critical Theory at the University of Edinburgh, and Head of the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures. In addition to his role as Deputy Chair of the EA, Alex chairs the Publications Committee. He is a former Chair of University English.
Elizabeth Draper
Elizabeth Draper FEA has over 30 years’ teaching experience in both Sixth Form Colleges and colleges of Further Education. She now works freelance providing CPD and mentoring and is also a member of the OCR English curriculum consortium, the AQA English Discussion Forum, and the JOYFE movement. Elizabeth is an active participant in projects and research, with a focus on GCSE English resits.
Helen Wallace FCA
After taking an English degree at the University of London, Helen Wallace moved into finance, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant with PricewaterhouseCoopers. Since moving into industry, she has held a variety of senior Finance and HR roles, gaining wide strategic and operational experience in international FTSE companies. Helen is Chair of the Finance Committee.
Other Trustees
Kirsty Armstrong (Government Digital Service)
Professor Katherine Baxter, Northumbria University (Chair of the Higher Education Committee)
Matt Carnaby, Director of Curriculum and Education (Astrea Academy Trust) (Chair of the Secondary and Further Education Committee)
Lucy Cuthbertson, Director of Education (Learning) (Shakespeare’s Globe)
Barbara Davidson, non-practising solicitor
Dr Fiona Douglas, Associate Professor in English Language (University of Leeds)
Professor Martin Halliwell, Professor of American Studies (University of Leicester)
Kirstie Hewett, School Improvement Specialist – English and Senior Lecturer (University of Chichester) (Chair of the Primary and Early Years Education Committee)
Cassie Martin, secondary English teacher
Tracey Maloney, Director (e-Qualitas)
Professor Anshuman Mondal, Professor of Modern Literature (University of East Anglia)
Julia Morris, Associate Lecturer and publishing expert
Katie Sergeant, Secondary and Revision Publisher (Collins)
Professor Alex Thomson, Head of the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (University of Edinburgh)
Professor Greg Walker, Regius Professor of Rhetoric and English Literature (University of Edinburgh)
Workstream leads
Lead for Cross-Sector Educational Policy: Professor Robert Eaglestone FEA, Professor of English (Royal Holloway, University of London)
In this role, Professor Eaglestone
- proactively works to develop the EA’s educational policy for the discipline of English;
- supports the CEO and officers in building and maintaining cross-sector relationships and networks, within the EA and externally;
- identifies opportunities for productive cross-sector working in pursuit of the EA’s goals and works with the CEO to pursue agreed opportunities;
- represents the EA at cross-sector events.
Lead for Skills for the Future of English: Professor Cathy Shrank FEA, Professor of English (University of Sheffield)
In this role, Professor Shrank
- leads the development and implementation of the EA’s Skills for the Future project;
- undertakes research in pursuit of the aims of the Skills for the Future project;
- identifies opportunities for additional skills-focused work for the EA to pursue, and proactively horizon-scans for skills-related information, research, and activity;
- represents the EA at skills-focused events.
Lead for Oracy: Dr Tom F. Wright FEA (University of Sussex)
In this role, Dr Wright:
- proactively works to develop the EA’s oracy policy for the discipline of English;
- supports the CEO and officers in building and maintaining relationships and networks, within the EA, and externally with oracy-related individuals and organisations;
- proactively seeks out and shares information across the EA about developments in oracy education research, policy, and practice relevant to English Studies;
- represents the EA at oracy-related events.
- Staff
-
Staff
Led by the Chief Executive Officer, our dedicated team of staff oversee day-to-day operations.
Chief Executive Officer
Dr Rebecca Fisher is the Chief Executive Officer of the English Association. Her interests include early English language and literature, playfulness in education, and bringing academics, independent scholars, and the public together. Alongside her role at the EA, Becky also sits on the Board of Directors for the Council for Subject Associations, an umbrella organisation that represents subject associations nationally and allows them to speak with a single voice on key issues and consultations. As a Director of the CfSA, Becky is building links between subjects for mutual advocacy, and strengthens the EA’s connections with policy makers and other key stakeholders in the education landscape.
Administration Officer
Lily Moran
Finance Officer
Claire Barlow
- Committees
-
Committees
All our committees report to the Board of Trustees. Each is tasked with oversight of a different part of the EA’s work.
- The Education Committees work to support and defend the discipline of English by addressing topical developments, responding to national consultations, liaising with other organisations, and organising events. The three Committees focus on different stages of education, with cross-representation to ensure a unified voice
- The Finance Committee monitors the EA’s financial situation, monitors and implements new financial strategies, reviews the grading and remuneration of the staff team, and advises the Board on risk.
- The Fellowship Committee promotes and develops the Fellowship of the English Association by overseeing the nomination process, encouraging Fellows to be actively involved with the work of the English Association, and facilitating activities proposed and organised by Fellows.
- The Publications Committee oversees our portfolio of publications and is responsible for quality control, editorial policy, and commercial development. The Committee brings together the editors of our journals and book series as well as representatives of our publishing partners.
Higher Education Committee
Chair: Professor Katherine Baxter, Northumbria University
Professor Marc Alexander, University of Glasgow
Dr Amjad Alshalan, King Saud University
Professor Isobel Armstrong, Birkbeck, University of London
Professor Martin Halliwell, University of Leicester
Dr Elspeth Jajdelska, Strathclyde University
Dr Suzanne Joinson, University of Chichester
Professor Claire Jowitt, University of East Anglia
Dr Nicole King, Exeter College, University of Oxford
Professor Clare Lees, School of Advanced Study, University of London (Institute of English Studies representative)
Dr Andrea Macrae, Oxford Brookes University
Dr Lyndsay Miller, University of Glasgow International College
Professor Anshuman Mondal, University of East Anglia
Dr Sarah Olive, Aston University
Professor Lynda Pratt, University of Nottingham
Dr Bronwen Price, Independent Scholar
Professor Antony Rowland, Manchester Metropolitan University
Dr Rachel Roberts, Reading University
Dr Maggie Scott, Independent Scholar
Dr Kate Walchester, Liverpool John Moores University (University English representative)
Dr Rachel Willie, Liverpool John Moores University
Dr Harvey Wiltshire, Royal Holloway, University of London
Dr John Wrighton, University of Aberdeen
Secondary and Further Education Committee
Chair: Matt Carnaby, Director of Curriculum and Education (Astrea Academy Trust)
Deputy Chair: Hollie Barnes-Lomax, Lecturer in Education and Training (Cambridge Regional College)
Freddie Baveystock, English teacher (Harris Westminster Sixth Form)
Elizabeth Draper, post-16 English and Education Specialist
Joan Foley, Lecturer in Arts and Humanities (Open University)
Chris Green, Director of English and Drama (The Perse School, Cambridge) (co-Editor of The Use of English)
Kirsty Haughton, Head of English and Literacy at Nottingham College
Jo Heathcote, English curriculum and assessment consultant
Dr Brittany Kuhn, English teacher at Suffolk New College (co-Editor of The Use of English)
Tracey Maloney, Director (e-Qualitas)
Dr Rebecca Morris, Reader in Education Studies (University of Warwick)
Sarah Mullin, Visiting Professor of Education (Sunderland University)
Afsan Redwan, Deputy Head: Sixth Form (Milton Keynes College Group)
Angela Rodrigues, Deputy Head of Sixth Form (The Cotswold School)
Maud Sampson, Head of English and Media Studies (Central Foundation Girls’ School)
Helen Thomson, doctoral student and experienced teacher
Primary and Early Years Education Committee
Chair: Kirstie Hewett Senior Lecturer and School Improvement Specialist (University of Chichester)
Jo Beer, Senior Lecturer in Primary Education (University of Chichester)
Sonia Carvell, primary school teacher
Megan Dixon, Director of Literacy at MAT, Research and Development Lead for the Aspirer Teaching School, and Director of a Research School
Jake Hope, Reading development and children’s book consultant
Suzanne Hughes, teacher with expertise in oracy and drama
Philip McCahill, Assistant Headteacher and All-through Reading Lead
Mia Sneyd, Educational Consultant and English Specialist
Laura Spargo, Education Consultant and Primary English Specialist
Alison Spicer, Assistant Headteacher (Teaching, Learning, and Language Development)
Finance Committee
Chair: Helen Wallace, Honorary Treasurer
Elizabeth Draper, Deputy Chair of the EA
Professor David Duff, President of the EA
Dr Becky Fisher, CEO of the EA
Professor Jenny Richards, Chair of the EA
Professor Alex Thomson, Deputy Chair of the EA
Fellowship Committee
Chair: Professor David Duff, President of the EA
Professor Bryan Cheyette, University of Reading
Dr Jenny Bavidge, University of Cambridge
Dr Anna Budziak, University of Wroclaw
Kathy Halliday, GCSE Teacher (Digital And Creative Industries), Barnsley College (Fellows Award winner 2025)
Professor Ann Heilmann, Cardiff University
Professor Jeremy Smith, University of Glasgow
Professor Greg Walker, University of Edinburgh
Dr Gillian Woods, Birkbeck, University of London
Publications Committee
Chair: Professor Alex Thomson (Deputy Chair of the EA)
Dr Zoe Hope Bulaitis, University of Birmingham
Becky Cole, Northumbria University
Professor Orietta da Rold (University of Cambridge)
Ella Taylor, School Librarian (Harris Westminster Sixth Form)
Helen Wallace, Honorary Treasurer of the EA
Once per year, all the editors of our publications attend a meeting of the Publications Committee.
EA Hubs Advisory Group
Dr Freddie Baveystock (member of SFEC)
Tracey Maloney (member of SFEC)
Dr Rachel Roberts (member of HEC)
Angela Rodrigues (member of SFEC)
Professor Emma Smith, Hertford College, Oxford University
Dr Richard Stacey
Dr Harvey Wiltshire, Royal Holloway, University of London
Dr John Wrighton, University of Aberdeen (member of HEC)
