About The Education Ground

The Education Ground exists to explore the questions that shape education. 

Through evidence-informed articles, research and professional reflection, this platform connects educational theory, policy and classroom practice to encourage deeper thinking and better conversations about teaching and learning. 

The Education Ground believes that meaningful improvement begins not with easy answers, but with asking better questions. 

Why does education matter?

It is a question that has shaped both my personal and professional life.

My perspective on education has been shaped by not only nearly a quarter of a century in the classroom, but also by early experiences of abject poverty, close family bereavement and becoming the legal guardian of my younger siblings whilst still a teenager. During this time, I completed my A Levels, became the first person in my family to attend university, earned a degree and trained as a teacher.

I know, first-hand, that education can transform lives.

I was also fortunate to be taught by remarkable teachers whose belief, encouragement and example changed the course of my own life. They showed me that great teaching is about far more than qualifications; it is about opening doors, nurturing potential and inspiring others to believe in themselves. Their example inspired my own journey into teaching and continues to shape the educator I strive to be.

Those experiences continue to shape everything I do.

The Education Ground is a place to explore education through research, classroom experience and critical reflection. Here, I examine the questions that matter—from literacy and reading to curriculum, teacher development and educational policy—with the aim of encouraging thoughtful discussion rather than offering simple answers.

I teach English and serve as a Whole School Reading Lead in a secondary school. During my career, I spent almost a decade as an Assistant Subject Leader for English. My practice is informed by more than 23 years in the classroom, the NPQ in Leading Literacy and ongoing study towards an MA in Education.

Whether you're a teacher, school leader, trainee teacher, parent or simply someone with an interest in education, I hope these articles encourage you to question, reflect and continue the conversation.

Heidi Jones
The Education Ground
Learning by example.