Michael Merrick
director of schools, Diocese of Lancaster; former teacher; education and social commentator

Michael works in education and has taught various subjects and ages since joining the profession, firstly in the secondary sector and then most recently in the primary sector. He has written for, or appeared on, various media outlets and takes a particular interest in the ways in which a deep values clash is shaping education and culture in the UK, on issues as diverse as curriculum, social mobility, behaviour, geographic inequality and the role of schools as providers of education and, increasingly, welfare support.

Before education became his main focus, Michael was a contributor to the Blue Labour book of essays, and was involved with research and writing for its close kin, Red Tory. He recently spent time on the advisory board for the Children’s Commissioner and now lives in north Cumbria, from where comes his most recent interest in the impact of rural poverty and geographic inequality on schools outside of the major urban centres.

Follow Michael on X/Twitter: @michael_merrick

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