Profile | University of Exeter

About me:

William Richardson (D.Phil. Oxon.) is an Honorary Visiting Professor at the Graduate School of Education, having served in the School as full professor (2000-2011), as Head of faculty (then called the School of Education and Lifelong Learning, 2002-2007) and as a Governor of the University (2004-2007).

During 2011-2018 I was General Secretary of HMC (The Heads' Conference) and founder of, and Secretary to, the Queen Street Group (a body of 35 ethically-based Multi-academy Trusts currently responsible for the education of 313,000 pupils across 662 schools in England).

Current work. As well as continuing to research and publish in education, I am: Chair of the School Archives and Records Association: and Archivist of both ASCL (Association of School and College Leaders) and HMC. My current research interests are:

political and social influences over the development of secondary education and headteacher unions in the British Isles since 1850
the politics of inspection and assessment
long-term continuity and change in English education
social and economic disparity in schools serving disadvantaged communities

Substantial recent publications are:

the anchor contribution on ‘Method’ in the 36-chapter Oxford Handbook of the History of Education (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2019), pp. 48-64.
a major review – ‘Practical Numeracy in England, c.970-c.1210’ – in Jonathan Barry, James G. Clark and William Richardson (eds.), Education and Religion in Medieval and Renaissance England: Essays in honour of Nicholas Orme (Donington: Shuan Tyas, 2023), pp. 295-362.

During 1986 to 2011, when I was a full-time academic, my 100+ published writings focused on:

education policy and practice:
- post-compulsory education and work-based learning
- historic and comparative aspects of technical/’vocational’ education
- education and the knowledge economy
- policy capacity in government
- assessment and examinations
- social change in the history of education
the evolution of educational research:
- the development of the field in the Anglophone world since 1945;
- the historiography of education and historical methods in research;
- the politics of educational research

Interests:

See ‘Overview’ page for a list of research interests.

During 1986-2011 I authored 109 publications, comprising:

50 scholarly publications
29 research reports
20 evaluation reports
10 teaching publications

Key publications

Richardson, W. (2023). ‘Practical Numeracy in England, c.970-c.1210’, in Jonathan Barry, James G. Clark and William Richardson (eds.), Education and Religion in Medieval and Renaissance England: Essays in honour of Nicholas Orme (Donington: Shuan Tyas, 2023), pp. 295-362

Richardson, W. (2019). ‘Method in the history of education’, in Rury. J. and Tamura, E, (eds.) The Oxford Handbook of the History of Education. New York: Oxford University Press, pp. 49-64.

Richardson, W. (2011a). ‘The weight of history: structures, patterns and legacies of secondary education in the British Isles, c.1200–c.1980’. London Review of Education 9 (2), pp. 153-173.

Richardson, W. and Sing, S. (2011)b. The impact of practical and ‘vocational’ learning on academically-able young people aged 11–16. London: Edge Foundation, June pp. 66.2008 Goodman,

Richardson, W. (2007). 'In search of the further education of young people in post-war England'. Journal of Vocational Education and Training, 59 (3), pp. 385-418.2004

Richardson, W. (2004). Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 60 Vols. 10 entries on educators and educational administrators, 1532-1664.

Richardson, W. (2011). ‘Educational Studies in the United Kingdom, 1940-2002’. British Journal of Educational Studies 50/1, pp. 3-56.

McCulloch, G. and Richardson, W. (2000). Educational research in historical settings. Milton Keynes: Open University Press.

Richardson, W. (1999). 'Historians and educationists: the history of education as a field of study in post-war England’:

‘Part I: 1945-1972'. History of Education, 28 (1), pp. 1-30.
‘Part II: 1972-1996'. History of Education, 28 (2), pp. 109-41.

Richardson, W. (1994). 'The Role of Employers in Education Reform', in Insights into Education and Training: papers selected by the National Commission on Education. London: Heinemann, 1994., pp. 120-134.

Finegold, D. and MacFarland, L. and Richardson W. (eds.) (1993) Something Borrowed, Something Blue? A Study of the Thatcher Government's Appropriation of American Education and Training Policy. Washington DC: Brookings Institution.

Publications by category

Books

Goodman, J., McCulloch G. and Richardson W. (eds.) (2008). Social Change in the History of British Education. London: Routledge.

Unwin, L. and Richardson, W. (2001). The Learning Society and the Knowledge Economy: Nacett's sponsored lecture series. Sheffield, National Advisory Council for Education and Training Targets.

McCulloch, G. and Richardson, W. (2000). Educational research in historical settings. Milton Keynes: Open University Press

Stanton, G. and Richardson, W. (eds.) (1997). Qualifications for the future: a study of tripartite and other divisions in post-16 education and training. London: Further Education Development Agency.

Finegold, D., Richardson, W., Woolhouse, J. (eds.) (1993). he Reform of Post-16 Education and Training in England and Wales. Longman, Harlow.

Finegold, D., MacFarland, L. and Richardson, W. (eds.) (1993). Something Borrowed, Something Blue? A Study of the Thatcher Government's Appropriation of American Education and Training Policy. Washington DC: Brookings Institution.

Journal articles

Richardson, W. (2011). ‘The weight of history: structures, patterns and legacies of secondary education in the British Isles, c.1200–c.1980’. London Review of Education 9 (2), pp. 153-173.

Goodman, J., McCulloch, G. and Richardson W (2009). ‘“Empires overseas” and “empires at home”’: Postcolonial and Transnational Perspectives on Social Change in the History of Education’. Paedagogica Historica, 45(6), 695-706.

Freathy, R. and Richardson, W. (2008). ‘A Pilot Project for Exe Libris: the UK History of Education Society On-line Bibliography’. History of Education Researcher, (82, pp. 116-122.

Richardson, W. (2007). 'In search of the further education of young people in post-war England'. Journal of Vocational Education and Training, 59 (3), pp. 385-418.

Richardson, W. (2007). 'British historiography of education in international context at the turn of the century, 1996-2006'. History of Education, 36 (4 and 5), pp. 569-93.

Richardson, W. (2007). ‘Public Policy Fiascos in Education: Reflections on the British examinations crises of 2000-2002 and other episodes since 1975’. Oxford Review of Education, 33 (2), pp. 143-60.

McCulloch, G., Goodman, J. and Richardson, W. (2005). ‘Social Change in the history of education: an ESRC seminar series’. History of Education Researcher, 75, 1-3.

Richardson, W. (2005). ‘Social change in the history of education: audiences and arenas’. History of Education Researcher, 75, pp. 11-13.

Richardson, W. (2002). ‘Educational Studies in the United Kingdom, 1940-2002’. British Journal of Educational Studies 50/1, pp. 3-56.

Leeh, D., Carter, D. and Richardson, W. (2001). Change and secondary school teachers' perception and use of ICT: a comparative study. Journal of Education and Administration, 19(2), 105-133.

Richardson, W. (1999. 'Historians and educationists: the history of education as a field of study in post-war England. Part I: 1945-1972'. History of Education, 28 (1), pp. 1-30.

Richardson, W. (1999). 'Historians and educationists: the history of education as a field of study in post-war England. Part II: 1972-1996'. History of Education, 28 (2), pp. 109-41.

Richardson, W. (1998). 'Work-based learning for young people: national policy, 1994-1997’. Journal of Vocational Education and Training 50 (2), pp. 225-46.

Chapters

Richardson, W. (2019). ‘Method in the history of education’, in Rury. J. and Tamura, E, (eds.) The Oxford Handbook of the History of Education. New York: Oxford University Press, pp. 49-64.

Richardson, W. (2004). Bilson, Thomas: 1546/7-1616 [Headmaster and Warden of Winchester College]. In Matthew H, Harrison B (Eds.) Oxford Dictionary of National Biography 2004-2006, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 738-742.

Richardson, W. (2004). Boys, John: (1571-1625). [educator of the Anglican clergy]. In Matthew H, Harrison B (Eds.) Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 120-122.

Unwin, L. (2001). Introduction. In Richardson W, Unwin L (Eds.) The Learning Society and the Knowledge Economy: Nacett's sponsored lecture series, Sheffield: National Advisory Council for Education and Training Targets, 3-14.

Reports

Richardson, W. and Sing, S. (2011). The impact of practical and ‘vocational’ learning on academically-able young people aged 11–16. London: Edge Foundation, June pp. 66.

Richardson, W. and Wiborg, S. (2010). English Technical and Vocational education in Historical and Comparative Perspective Considerations for University Technical Colleges. London: Edge Foundation/Baker-Dearing Trust, October pp. 47.

Haynes G and Richardson, W. (2009). Evaluation of the Implementation and Impact of Diplomas: Findings from the 2008 Survey of Higher Education Institutions. DCFS, London, DCFS. May pp. 38.

Richardson W (2009). Young undergraduate entrants to UK universities: the strengthening relationship between leading universities and independent schools. Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference, Exeter, University of Exeter. September, pp. 91.

Richardson W (2008). New foundations, enduring values: undergraduate education, research-intensive universities and the government’s reforms of 14-19 education in England. 1994 Group, London. January, pp. 75.

Richardson W (2008). The Initial Training of Teachers in the Learning and Skills Sector in the South West: a Baseline Survey of the Student Trainee Cohort and of the challenges facing the Providers of Training. Exeter, University of Exeter.

Richardson, W. (2001). Making a Difference in Work-related Learning: a guide and toolkit for assessing the local impact of work-related learning in schools, businesses and not-for-profit organisations. Exeter, University of Exeter, 64 pp.

Richardson, W. (1998). Young People Development Survey [three reports]. Warwick: Rover Group/BMW, February 53 pp.

Cramphorne, J., Richardson, W., Spours, K., Woolhouse, J. and Young M. (1997). Learning for the future: final report. Coventry and London: Universities of Warwick and London, October ii + 27 pp.

Richardson, W. and Nicholls, J. (1995). Aiming for a College Education: the lessons so far. Coventry: University of Warwick, in association with British Petroleum, June ii + 42 pp.

Richardson, W., Spours, K., Woolhouse, J. and Young, M. (1995). Learning for the Future: Initial Report. Coventry and London: Universities of Warwick and London, November iv + 85 pp.

Richardson, W. (1995) School Guidance and Youth Credits in Essex, 1994/95: research report. Coventry: University of Warwick [restricted circulation], July 21 pp.

Richardson, W. (ed.) (1993). Matching Skills: A Question of Supply and Demand. London: British Telecommunications plc, December, 46 pp. + annexes.

Finegold, D. and Richardson, W. (1992). TECs and Education: Report to the National Training Task Force. London: Employment Department, 25 pp.

Richardson, W. (1992) The Work Related Teaching and Learning in Schools: Education and Business in Partnership. Coventry: University of Warwick, in association with the Department for Trade and Industry, ii + 62 pp.

Esland, G. and Richardson, W. (1989). 'The Company and Its Context'. In Teachers into Business and Industry, Unit 3, PE 634. Milton Keynes: Open University Press, 53 pp.

Lawn, M. and Ozga. J, and Richardson, W. (1989). 'Education and Industrial Management'. In Teachers into Business and Industry, Unit 5, PE 634. Milton Keynes: Open University Press, 48 pp.

Publications by year

2019

Richardson, W. (2019). ‘Method in the history of education’, in Rury. J. and Tamura, E, (eds.) The Oxford Handbook of the History of Education. New York: Oxford University Press, pp. 49-64.

2011

Richardson, W. (2011). ‘The weight of history: structures, patterns and legacies of secondary education in the British Isles, c.1200–c.1980’. London Review of Education 9 (2), pp. 153-173.

Richardson, W. and Sing, S. (2011a). The impact of practical and ‘vocational’ learning on academically-able young people aged 11–16. London: Edge Foundation, June pp. 66.

Richardson, W. and Sing, S. (2011b). The impact of practical and ‘vocational’ learning on academically-able young people aged 11–16. London: Edge Foundation, June pp. 66.2008

2010

2009

Richardson W (2009). Young undergraduate entrants to UK universities: the strengthening relationship between leading universities and independent schools. Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference, Exeter, University of Exeter. September, pp. 91.

Freathy, R and Richardson, W. (2009- ). Exe Libris: the UK History of Education Society’s Online Bibliography. A searchable bibliography of articles published in the leading historical journals founded or edited in the British Isles since 1939, and in selected international journals specialising in the history of education. (Pages hosted on History of Education Society website).

Goodman, J. McCulloch, J. and Richardson, W. (eds.) (2009a), ‘“Empires overseas” and “empires at home”: Post-colonial and trans-national perspectives on social change in the history of education’. Special issue of Paedagogica Historica, 45(6).

Goodman, J., McCulloch, G. and Richardson W (2009b). ‘“Empires overseas” and “empires at home”’: Postcolonial and Transnational Perspectives on Social Change in the History of Education’. Paedagogica Historica, 45(6), 695-706.

Haynes G and Richardson, W. (2009). Evaluation of the Implementation and Impact of Diplomas: Findings from the 2008 Survey of Higher Education Institutions. DCFS, London, DCFS. May pp. 38.

2008

Richardson W (2008a). New foundations, enduring values: undergraduate education, research-intensive universities and the government’s reforms of 14-19 education in England. 1994 Group, London. January, pp. 75.

Richardson W (2008b). The Initial Training of Teachers in the Learning and Skills Sector in the South West: a Baseline Survey of the Student Trainee Cohort and of the challenges facing the Providers of Training. Exeter, University of Exeter.

Goodman, J., McCulloch G. and Richardson W. (eds.) (2008). Social Change in the History of British Education. London: Routledge.

Freathy, R. and Richardson, W. (2008). ‘A Pilot Project for Exe Libris: the UK History of Education Society On-line Bibliography’. History of Education Researcher, (82), pp. 116-122.

2007

Richardson, W. (ed.) (2007a). ‘Perspectives on vocational education and training in post-war England’. Special issue of Journal of Vocational Education and Training, 59(3).

Richardson, W. (2007b). 'In search of the further education of young people in post-war England'. Journal of Vocational Education and Training, 59 (3), pp. 385-418.2004

Richardson, W. (2007c). 'British historiography of education in international context at the turn of the century, 1996-2006'. History of Education, 36 (4 and 5), pp. 569-93.

Richardson, W. (2007d). ‘Public Policy Fiascos in Education: Reflections on the British examinations crises of 2000-2002 and other episodes since 1975’. Oxford Review of Education, 33 (2), pp. 143-60.

Goodman, J., McCulloch G. and Richardson W. (eds.) (2007). Social Change in the History of British Education. Special issue of History of Education, 36 (4 and 5).

2006

Richardson, W. and Unwin, L. (2006). Understanding policy work in the DfEE. A 15-hour intranet on-line learning programme for civil servants new to policy work in the Department for Education and Employment. (Pages hosted on DfEE intranet)

2005

Richardson, W. (2005). Social change in the history of education: audiences and arenas. History of Education Researcher, 75, 11-13.

McCulloch, G., Goodman, J. and Richardson, W. (2005). ‘Social Change in the history of education: an ESRC seminar series’. History of Education Researcher, 75, 1-3.

2004

Richardson, W. (2004a) ‘Bennet, Robert (d. 1617)’, in Matthew, H. and Harrison, B. (eds.) Oxford Dictionary of National Biography 2004-2006, Oxford: Oxford University Press, Vol. 5, pp. 112-13.

Richardson, W. (2004b). ‘Bilson, Thomas: 1546/7-1616’, in Matthew, H. and Harrison, B. (eds.) Oxford Dictionary of National Biography 2004-2006, Oxford: Oxford University Press, Vol. 5, 738-742.

Richardson, W. (2004c) ‘Boys, Edward (1599-1667)’, in Matthew, H. and Harrison, B. (eds.) Oxford Dictionary of National Biography 2004-2006, Oxford: Oxford University Press, Vol. 7, pp. 118-19.

Richardson, W. (2004d) ‘Boys, John (1571-1615)’, in Matthew, H. and Harrison, B. (eds.) Oxford Dictionary of National Biography 2004-2006, Oxford: Oxford University Press, Vol. 7, pp. 120-22.

Richardson, W. (2004e) ‘Boys, Sir John (1607-1664)’, in Matthew, H. and Harrison, B. (eds.) Oxford Dictionary of National Biography 2004-2006, Oxford: Oxford University Press, Vol. 7, pp. 122-23.

Richardson, W. (2004f) ‘Goldsborough, Godfrey (1548-1604)’, in Matthew, H. and Harrison, B. (eds.) Oxford Dictionary of National Biography 2004-2006, Oxford: Oxford University Press, Vol. 22, pp. 670-71.

Richardson, W. (2004g) ‘Parry, Henry (1561-1616)’, in Matthew, H. and Harrison, B. (eds.) Oxford Dictionary of National Biography 2004-2006, Oxford: Oxford University Press, Vol. 42, pp. 873-74.

Richardson, W. (2004h) ‘Phelippes, Thomas’ (1555-c.1627)’, in Matthew, H. and Harrison, B. (eds.) Oxford Dictionary of National Biography 2004-2006, Oxford: Oxford University Press, Vol. 43, pp. 992-94.

Richardson, W. (2004i) ‘Richard Topcliffe (1532-1604)’, in Matthew, H. and Harrison, B. (eds.) Oxford Dictionary of National Biography 2004-2006, Oxford: Oxford University Press, Vol. 55, pp. 28-30.

Richardson, W. (2004j) ‘Watson, Anthony (d. 1605)’, in Matthew, H. and Harrison, B. (eds.) Oxford Dictionary of National Biography 2004-2006, Oxford: Oxford University Press, Vol. 57, pp. 601-02.

2002

Richardson, W (ed.) (2002a). ‘Educational Studies in Britain, 1952-2002’. Special issues of British Journal of Educational Studies 50/1.

Richardson, W. (200b). ‘Educational Studies in the United Kingdom, 1940-2002’. British Journal of Educational Studies 50/1, pp. 3-56.

2001

Richardson, W. and Unwin, L. (2001a). The Learning Society and the Knowledge Economy: Nacett's sponsored lecture series. Sheffield, National Advisory Council for Education and Training Targets.

Richardson, W. and Unwin, L. (2001b). Introduction. In Richardson W, Unwin L (Eds.) The Learning Society and the Knowledge Economy: Nacett's sponsored lecture series, Sheffield: National Advisory Council for Education and Training Targets, 3-14.

Leeh, D., Carter, D. and Richardson, W. (2001). Change and secondary school teachers' perception and use of ICT: a comparative study. Journal of Education and Administration, 19(2), 105-133.

2000

McCulloch, G. and Richardson, W. (2000). Educational research in historical settings. Milton Keynes: Open University Press.

1999

Richardson, W. (1999a). 'Historians and educationists: the history of education as a field of study in post-war England. Part I: 1945-1972'. History of Education, 28 (1), pp. 1-30.

Richardson, W. (1999b). 'Historians and educationists: the history of education as a field of study in post-war England. Part II: 1972-1996'. History of Education, 28 (2), pp. 109-41.

1998

Richardson, W. (1998a). 'Work-based learning for young people: national policy, 1994-1997’. Journal of Vocational Education and Training 50 (2), pp. 225-46.

Richardson, W. (1998b). Young People Development Survey [three reports]. Warwick: Rover Group/BMW, February 53 pp.

1997

1996

Richardson, W. (1995) School Guidance and Youth Credits in Essex, 1994/95: research report. Coventry: University of Warwick [restricted circulation], July 21 pp.

Richardson, W. and Nicholls, J. (1995). Aiming for a College Education: the lessons so far. Coventry: University of Warwick, in association with British Petroleum, June ii + 42 pp.

1995

Richardson, W., Spours, K., Woolhouse, J. and Young, M. (1995). Learning for the Future: Initial Report. Coventry and London: Universities of Warwick and London, November iv + 85 pp.

1994

1993

Finegold, D., Richardson, W., Woolhouse, J. (eds.) (1993). The Reform of Post-16 Education and Training in England and Wales. Longman, Harlow.

Richardson, W. (ed.) (1993). Matching Skills: A Question of Supply and Demand. London: British Telecommunications plc, December, 46 pp. + annexes.

1992

Finegold, D. and Richardson, W. (1992). TECs and Education: Report to the National Training Task Force. London: Employment Department, 25 pp.

1989

Esland, G. and Richardson, W. (1989). 'The Company and Its Context'. In Teachers into Business and Industry, Unit 3, PE 634. Milton Keynes: Open University Press, 53 pp.

Lawn, M. and Ozga. J, and Richardson, W. (1989). 'Education and Industrial Management'. In Teachers into Business and Industry, Unit 5, PE 634. Milton Keynes: Open University Press, 48 pp.

View full profile

Professor William Richardson