SDG 4 - Quality Education
Research
In November 2022, Dr Shrehan Lynch, Senior Lecturer in UEL's School of Childhood and Social Care, published a collaborative paper on the experiences of LGBTQIA+ members in physical education (PE) spaces.
The paper addresses the unfortunate reality that PE remains a heteronormative space, deeply rooted in unacknowledged gendered practices. Drawing on feminist and poststructuralist thought as a theoretical lens, Dr Lynch and her collaborators shared stories of their LGBTQIA+ experiences in PE spaces. Their collective personal research highlighted how complicity sustains the heteronormative environment and perpetuates ongoing trauma. Despite their experiences, all authors expressed a love of PE and highlighted the need to invest in practices that create safe and welcoming spaces for every member of the community.
Teaching
UEL’s Department of Education is one of London’s leading centres for teacher training. Capitalising on our east London location, UEL has earned an excellent reputation for working in partnership with schools to prepare teachers to work in multi-ethnic and multilingual urban schools. In UEL’s hands-on Teaching Apprentice courses, students develop their understanding of how to teach young people in engaging and supportive ways, applying this knowledge directly as classroom teachers. In 2023, UEL had 565 graduates from teacher training courses. We have been rated Outstanding by Ofsted for our teacher training courses (2024) and our Education Studies courses are ranked third in London in the Guardian University League Tables (2025).
Operations
In 2023, UEL was awarded a Silver rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). The TEF panel recognised the University’s commitment to providing high-quality education and positive student outcomes for its diverse population. As one of the UK’s most socially inclusive universities, UEL’s strategy addresses health and economic inequalities, with the aim of contributing to positive social change on both local and global levels. The achievement of a Silver Award underscores UEL’s dedication to delivering an exceptional learning environment that empowers its students to excel academically and professionally, providing education which supports careers and opportunities for the fast-changing future.
Outreach
In 2023, UEL’s School of Childhood and Social Care offered a free 12-week OLIVE programme for refugees and asylum seekers in the UK, providing an introduction to the higher education system. With both online and in-person workshops, topics included academic English and English language proficiency, creative writing and storytelling, academic tutoring, public speaking, and education and employability pathways. There were also classes on How to Apply for University. The OLIVE programme offered students a valuable opportunity to learn about the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in UK Higher Education, along with information on pathways and opportunities.