About Richard Bailey
I am a writer and theorist on sport, education and physical education education. A former teacher in both Primary and Secondary Schools and a teacher trainer, I have been an academic at a number of universities.
I have studied Physical Education, Philosophy and Evolutionary Anthropology, and continue to work in these areas. My focus is on their relevance for learning, knowledge and the development of expertise.
Current projects include a study of the educational thinking of A.S. Neill (founder of the famous Summerhill School in England), a handbook on the philosophy of education, and textbook for teachers of physical education. My next project will focus on the rise of psuedo-science in education.
I have worked with UNESCO as Expert Adviser, the World Health Organisation, Sports Coach UK and many other similar groups, and have carried out research on behalf of the UK government, numerous sports and educational agencies. I am currently convenor of the British Educational Research Association's Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy Special Interest Group.
Richard Bailey is one of the very few leaders in the field who can capture the hearts and minds of teachers wanting to make a difference to the lives of children sport and PE. A consumate professional as a speaker, writer and CPD deliverer, Richard really does lead the way (Dr David Morley, Director of Education, Education and Special Projects Ltd.)
Examples of my recent work include the following:
The first (and only) Systematic Review of Gifted and Talented Education, carried out on behalf of the English Government's Department for Children, Schools and Families.
The most comprehensive review ever published on the Benefits of Physical Education and Sport, with the British Educational Research Association's Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy Special Interest Group. A version of this review is to appear shortly in the journal Research Papers in Education, and is available early through its website.
A widely cited report on disaffection and truancy in schools, on behalf of the Economic and Social Research Council.
Co-authorship of the Quality Standards for Talent Development for Physical Education, on behalf of the Youth Sport Trust, distributed to all English Schools.
Advising and supporting the development of the Agency for Cooperation in Secondary Education and Project Agency Cooperation Education (PACE), aimed at fostering the potential of education in post-conflict societies, with partners throughout the Adriatic region (in Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro).
Research, consultancy and media appearances for Unilever's (Persil) 'Be My Coach' campaign, with Dame Kelly Holmes and Steven Gerrard.
I've written more than 100 publications, including books, academic and professional articles and journalism. I have been frequently invited to speak at events focused on education, sport and related topics, and have spoken at conferences in every continent of the world.
I have appeared on BBC 1, Channel 4, BBC Radio 4, Five Live, Radio Europe, and many other television and radio stations. My personal highlight was an extended interview on the the BBC's Today programme with John Humphrey's, which was as scary as it seems! My work has been reported in the Guardian (e.g., 1), the Times (London) (e.g., 1), Times Educational Supplement (e.g., 1, 2), TES Cymru (e.g., 1), Manchester Evening News (e.g., 1), Daily Mail (e.g., 1) and many other newspapers.
My book series Continuum Library of Educational Thinkers has been widely applauded for offering book-length accounts of some of the most important educational thinkers.
My series, the Routledge International Studies in Physical Education and Youth Sport provides a comprehensive collection of volumes on all aspects of the subject, written by leading authorities in the world.
My most recent book is the Routledge Physical Education Reader (with David Kirk).
I am a Trustee of the Council for the Advancement of the Arts, Recreation and Education, and am on the Editorial Boards of Leisure Studies and Sport, Education and Society. I am a member of the following professional bodies:
- International Council for Sport Science and Physical Education (Elected Member of Executive Board 2004-2008; Member of Editorial Board, 2005-2008)
- International Committee of Sport Pedagogy (Member of Committee, 2006-2008)
- International Association of Physical Education and Sport for Girls and Women
- International Association for Philosophy of Sport
- Association Internationale des Ecoles Superieures d'Education Physique
- Philosophy of Education Society of Great Britain
- British Educational Research Association
- American Educational Research Association
- Association for Physical Education
