David Mather

I am the Associate Head of School (Students) for the School of Education, Languages and Linguistics. I hold strategic and operational oversight for the retention and recruitment of students, along with student experience. My responsibilities also include leading the School in relation to Teaching, Learning and Assessment.

Prior to senior leadership in the school, I served as Course Leader for Educational Leadership and Management. I led the University of Portsmouth's MSc, PG Dip and PG Cert provision in this field and also managed the corresponding Senior Leader Degree Apprenticeship. I have also contributed to the University of Portsmouth Initial Teacher Training activities in various contexts.

My University activities extend to working with members of the UK Military and Veteran community regarding their engagement with Higher Education. I also collaborate with the Service Children Progression Alliance. Furthermore, I have worked both nationally and internationally in relation to matters of workplace culture, cultural transmition, EDI and equitable access to education.

My occupational experience spans both commercial and state-sector training and education. I was a teacher of level 2 and level 3 programmes for many years. I have led a range of courses and subject areas. I have also held roles relating to governance, strategy, compliance and research and development.

I am currently in the research phase of my academic doctoral training. My thesis explores the repositioning of military service into civilian occupational contexts, with a particular focus on teacher education.