Helen Gunter, Emeritus Professor at the Manchester Institute of Education, has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Book Award by the Society for Educational Studies (SES) for her new book A Political Sociology of Education Policy.

The SES is an organisation that aims to discuss and promote study and research in Education. Founded in 1951, it sponsors the British Journal of Educational Studies, encourages debate and discussion on policy issues and serves as a public voice for Educational Studies.

Each year, the SES holds their annual book awards, judged by the SES Executive and considering quality of research, originality of analysis and argument, theory/practice relation and accessibility of writing.

Helen received her award at the ceremony held in the Atheneum Club in London. Commenting on her win, she said: “This award means a lot to me because the Society for Educational Studies represents all that matters in social sciences research for and within educational studies.”

A Political Sociology of Education Policy presents a new political sociology for framing, conducting and presenting critical education policy research, producing innovative analysis for and about educational reform.

Helen added: “I am delighted and honoured for my book to be recognised in this way, not least because it reports on data about experiences of children, professionals, parents, politicians, officials, consultants and trade unionists in regard to the major reforms to public services education over the past forty years. Their voices matter.”

To find out more about the SES Book Awards, visit their website.