Dr Lewis Fogarty
Lecturer in Education

Summary

I dedicate my work to enabling people to reach their potential, because I believe the world improves when more of us can lead ourselves first and then lead others to do their best work in the environments that enable them to thrive.

This conviction has deepened since becoming a father of three boys — I want them to grow up in a world where education equips everyone to become the best version of themselves.

My passion for development began over a decade ago, working with children as young as nine months and adults of all ages. In 2015, I founded Always Growing Ltd, an early education and childcare company that now employs more than 30 people across (soon to be) four locations. It is a privilege to create and continually enhance a workplace for those doing one of the most crucial jobs there is: educating children in their foundation years.

I have also been an active advocate for the early years sector more widely. I have served as a Trustee of TACTYC since 2021, supporting professional development across the field; previously as Co-Convenor of BERA’s Early Childhood Research Interest Group since 2022; and worked with the Department for Education to support settings during the COVID-19 recovery.

For the past seven years I have worked in higher education, teaching and researching in the field of leadership and management — largely at Masters level — and leading the MA in Education programme. In August 2023 I became Director of Education (previously Director of Teaching and Learning) for the Department of Education at Brunel University London, while completing my doctoral research in educational leadership and qualifying as a coach.

A consistent thread through these experiences is the recognition that Self-Leadership is the foundation of great leadership and effective teaching and learning. This insight underpins my approach to curriculum design, particularly as we respond to the rapid growth of AI in education. I am committed to championing best practice that helps both educators and students develop the self-leadership and critical capacities required for success in a changing learning landscape.

Beyond the university, I continue to pursue this mission through:

• Edventurous Leadership – a platform and community dedicated to advancing self-leadership development for individuals and organisations.

• ConnectED International – a charity partnering with local communities to drive sustainable change through education, beginning in rural Uganda.

My current research focuses on the intersections of self-leadership, educational leadership, and curriculum innovation, with particular interest in how these areas can strengthen teaching and learning in the age of AI.

I welcome opportunities to collaborate on research, policy, and practice initiatives that strengthen educational leadership, enhance curriculum design, and empower learners to lead themselves and others effectively.

Qualifications

First Class BSc Psychology degree with honours

MA in Education with Leadership and Management (Distinction) 

ILM Level 5 Coaching and Mentoring

EdD Exploring Good Leadership in Early Childhood Education and Care - Post-Viva corrections

MSc Psychology, Culture, and Evolution (Ongoing)

Responsibility

Director of Teaching and Learning for the Department of Education

Leadership and Managment pathway leader within the MA in Education.

Supervisory and personal tutoring responsibilities across the education department.