Leading education academic from The University of Manchester receives major award

A leading academic from The University of Manchester has received a major award in recognition of the enormous contribution he has made to educational knowledge, leadership and management throughout his career.

Professor Steven Courtney was given a Distinguished Service Award – the society’s highest accolade – by BELMAS, the leading global independent voice in education leadership. Winners of the award receive a lifetime membership, and are invited to join the Distinguished Service Award Advisory Board which meets twice a year to provide the society with insight and feedback in relation to their work.

Steven is Professor of Sociology of Education and Director of Research at the Manchester Institute of Education, based at The University of Manchester. His research explores areas including education policy, system leadership, charisma, structural reform, depoliticisation and education privatisation, particularly in relation to the identities and practices of those constructed as educational leaders. 

He is Co-Editor-in-Chief of the journal Critical Studies in Education and co-convenor of the Manchester Institute of Education research group, Critical Education Leadership and Policy. His most recent book is ‘Keywords in education policy research: a conceptual toolbox’, a reference, learning and teaching tool designed to assist students, educators and researchers. He is currently investigating former school leaders’ experiences of leaving the vocation.
 
During his career, he has produced a large body of work that has contributed significantly to the development of fields of educational leadership, governance and policy, of all which have been published in international peer-reviewed journals such as the British Journal of Educational Studies, Journal of Educational Administration and History, Oxford Review of Education, Journal of Education Policy and British Journal of Sociology of Education – among many others.

“We strongly endorse Professor Courtney’s nomination on the basis of his academic standing within the community and his unwavering commitment to the development of professional colleagues, early career researchers and students within our field,” said Dr Paul Armstrong, on behalf of the Critical Educational Leadership and Policy research group. “His influence on our group – and through this, the wider field of educational leadership, management and administration – cannot be overstated.”

“I unreservedly endorse Professor Courtney for this award – his steadfast dedication, active involvement and exemplary contributions have significantly enriched the BELMAS community, making him an outstanding candidate for this prestigious honour,” said Dr Ruth McGinity from University College London. “He has been a dedicated member of BELMAS for many years, and has made a profound and sustained commitment to the society’s mission to enhance knowledge and scholarship in the field of Educational Leadership, Management and Administration and to create a space for research and practice to meet.”

“Professor Courtney is an exemplary colleague, an inspiration to many of us, and a go-to source for knowledge, support and wise advice – I recommend him without reservation for the BELMAS Distinguished Service Award,” said Professor Steven Jones from The University of Manchester. “As well as being an excellent mentor to his students, his experience and insight is often in demand from junior colleagues, and his feedback is sought for all kinds of scholarly writing. Unlike some eminent professors, he is approachable and thoughtful, providing guidance that is robust but always fair.”

“Steven deserves this award due to his commitment and passion for BELMAS and educational leadership – he is a true leader in every sense,” said Dr Victoria Showunmi from University College London. “His contribution to social justice and leadership is something that also must be celebrated – being a high-profile male leader who is from the LGBTQ+ community makes him a great role model for others entering the field.”