
Prof Stephen Ball: How Schools are Failing the Next Generation
From Graded by Yap Productions
November 20, 2025 · 44 min
About this episode
Professor Stephen Ball discusses how schools are failing the next generation, focusing on education policy and its impacts.
Our bonus interview episodes continue, this time with Professor Stephen Ball. Professor Stephen J. Ball is one of the world’s leading scholars in the sociology of education and education policy. Currently based at University College London’s Institute of Education, he has shaped global debates on social justice, marketization, and governance in education. A Fellow of the British Academy and the Academy of Social Sciences, Ball has authored numerous influential books and articles, and serves as co-editor-in-chief of the Journal of Education Policy . His work bridges theory and practice, offering critical insights into how policy impacts schools, teachers, and learners worldwide. José Mario is an educator and artist, adopted from Guatemala and raised in Essex. They have a background in pastoral and safeguarding leadership in schools, having worked in London and Oxford. Their practice centres on care in education. Mario studied Fine Art at the University of Oxford and later completed a Master's in Education from UCL. Disclaimers This podcast aims to provide a balanced and research-informed discussion. Every effort has been made to include a range of perspectives. The views expressed…
People in this episode
Host: Katharine Birbalsingh
Guests: José Mario, Professor Stephen J Ball
Topics covered
- sociology of education
- education policy
- social justice
- marketization
- governance in education
Keywords
- education
- policy
- schools
- teachers
- learners
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: a Master's in Education
Places: Guatemala, Essex, London, Oxford
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