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Julian is the Head of the School of Education and Society. He spent fifteen years in primary, middle, secondary and special-school classrooms in a wide range of roles prior to joining the University of Northampton in 2010. Julian’s teaching has included courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels and included professional courses such as those in Initial Teacher Training and the National Award in SEN Coordination.

His research has included evaluating the role of the SENCo, investigating professional development for teaching assistants and his doctoral thesis focused on inclusive pedagogy in higher education. Julian believes that the educator plays a vital role in the education process and that their beliefs often inform their practice. Consequently, he aims to develop inclusive attitudes, professional capabilities and a collective understanding of all involved in the education of an individual. Julian is a Senior Fellow and contributes to developing academic practice at the UON alongside his leadership responsibilities.

Julian teaches on various postgraduate modules. He is a qualified teacher and assessor of dyslexia and holds an Assessment Practising Certificate.

  • Brown, J., Crombie, M. and Lodge, U. (2021) Literacy and the Training of Professionals who Assess and Teach Individuals with Literacy Difficulties in (Eds) Reid, G. and Peer, L., Special Educational Needs: A Guide for Inclusive Practice. London: Sage.
  • Brown, J. and Bell, S. (2015) Eds: McLean, B and Clements, J. Dyslexia in international schools: Rising to the challenge. in The Australian Dyslexia Learning Difference Handbook 2015/16, Pp 68-72.
  • Brown, J. and Doveston, M. (2014) Short sprint or an endurance test: the perceived impact of the National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination. Teacher Development. 18 (4), 495-510.
  • Brown, J. and Bell, S. (2014) Supporting young people with dyslexia in international schools: a case study example of current provision in Southeast Asia. Support for Learning. 29 (2), 154-166.
  • Brown, J. (2014) ‘Parent Empowerment: examining parental attitudes to school systems’ In: The International Handbook of Cultures of Education Policy (Volume One): Comparative International Issues in Policy-Outcome Relationships – Achievement with Family and Community Involvement, Boufoy-Bastick, B. (Ed.). Strasbourg, France: Analytrics.
  • Brown, J. and Devecchi, C. (2013) ‘The impact of training on Teaching Assistants’ professional development: opportunities and future strategy’, Professional Development in Education. 39 (3), 369-386.
  • Brown, J., Lodge, U., Perepa, P. and Smith, A. (2017) Student Perspectives of Inclusion – a Case Study of One Higher Education Institution. In: European Conference on Educational Research: “Reforming Education and the Imperative of Constant Change: “Ambivalent roles of policy and the role of educational research”, Copenhagen, 2017. Copenhagen, ECER
  • Brown, J. (2015) ‘National Case Study: England’ In: Volunteering as Empowerment for Success at School, Devecchi, C. (Ed.). Project 526187-LLP-1-2012-FR-Comenius CMP.
  • Brown, J. and Doveston, M. (2014) Learning Before Leadership: Preparing Special Educational Needs Coordinators for their Role. In: European Conference on Educational Research, Porto, 2014. Porto, ECER.
  • Bramble, P., Devecchi, C. and Brown, J. (2014) Shaping the Future of Educational Research: Collaboration between Academics and Project Managers. In: European Conference on Educational Research, Porto, 2014. Porto, ECER.
  • Bramble, P., Devecchi, C. and Brown, J. (2014) Bridging the Gap, Enhancing Knowledge and Practice: Academics and ‘Blended’ Professionals Working Together at the Success at School Project. In: European Conference on Educational Research, Porto, 2014. Porto, ECER.
  • Brown, J. and Doveston, M. (2013) ‘Coherence and capacity’: examining professional development in a special school. In: British Educational Research Association Annual Conference, 2013. University of Sussex, BERA.
  • Brown, J. and Devecchi, C. (2013) Perspectives on the ‘preparedness’ of teaching assistants: What gets in the way? In: British Educational Research Association Annual Conference, 2013. University of Sussex, BERA.
  • Brown, J. and Devecchi, C. (2012) The Impact of Training on Teaching Assistants’ Professional Development: opportunities and future strategy. In: European Conference on Educational Research: Urban Education, Cadiz, 2012. Cadiz, ECER.
  • Brown, J. and Doveston, M. (2012) Changing from within: How can post-graduate study and research help to improve practice for Special Educational Needs Coordinators? In: European Conference on Educational Research: Urban Education, Cadiz, 2012. Cadiz, ECER.
  • Devecchi, C. and Brown, J. (2012) The Impact of Training on TAs’ Professionalism and Pupil Achievement in maintained Schools in Leicester City: Barriers, Opportunities and Future Strategy. Leicester City Council and the University of Northampton.
  • Doveston, M. and Brown, J. (2012) The National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs): Small Steps or a Giant Leap? In: At the Crossroads: New Directions in Teacher Education, Canterbury Christ Church University, 2012. Canterbury: CCCU.
  • Brown, J. (2011) Developing a Partnership Between Parents and an Urban Primary School. In: European Conference on Educational Research: Urban Education, Berlin, 2011. Berlin, ECER.