About us
Out in Education is an entirely student-run not-for-profit. We were founded at the University of Nottingham in 2013 and have grown year-on-year under the leadership of successive waves of enthusiastic volunteers.
We have three key aims:
1. Tackle homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in schools
2. Support young LGBT+ people coming to terms with their sexuality
3. Train teachers to organically bring LGBT+ issues into the classroom
We work towards these by delivering assemblies and workshops on a diverse range of topics to students from KS1 to KS5. We also help schools create effective pupil-led anti-bullying policies. Our impact is demonstrated through Ofsted reports, schools displaying pupils’ anti-bullying policies and frequent repeat visits.
Most of our volunteers are LGBT+ university students who have recently come through the education system, and so can relate to homophobic bullying and coming out at school. As LGBT+ education in schools is often inadequate and we lacked role models, many of us felt we couldn’t be ourselves at school. Our aim in every session is to be the person we needed when we were younger and ensure no more students suffer in silence.
Why we do it
Stonewall’s 2017 School Report showed that:
- 45% of LGBT pupils, including 64% of trans pupils, are bullied for being LGBT at school
- 86% of LGBT pupils regularly hear phrases such as “that’s so gay” or “you’re so gay” in school
- 40% of LGBT pupils are never taught anything about LGBT issues at school, and 77% do not learn about gender identity
Our committee
Joseph Ostler, Project Leader
Mathematics, Third Year (he/him)
“Hi, my name is Joe and I've been part of the committee for 2 years now. I'm really proud of the difference we've made whilst I've been a part of this group. I think this group is so important because it provides education and representation I didn't get to see as a kid, and having good, relatable role models really helps you feel accepted and not out of place when you're LGBTQ+.”
Abigail Paterson, Education Secretary
Mental Health Nursing, First Year (she/her)
“Hiya! I’m Abi. I’m a third year philosophy student who is going into a postgraduate mental health nursing course next year. I’ve had a bunch of roles in Out in Education but right now I am the Education Secretary. Thanks for volunteering with us!”
Raya Barker, General Secretary and Treasurer
Mechanical Engineering, Third Year (they/them)
"Hello! As gen sec and treasurer I do various things on the committee, including social media posts and designing the newsletter. My favourite part of volunteering with Out in Education is going into schools and directly seeing the change we're making to young people's lives!"
Alexandra Hogg, Communications Director
English, Third Year (she/her)
“Hello, my name is Alex and my pronouns are she/her. I am currently in my second year studying English. I decided to join Out in Education because I want to help LBGT+ students feel accepted by their peers and safe in school.”
Eva Robson, Volunteering Director
Philosophy and Psychology, Third Year (she/her)
“Hi, I’m Eva! As volunteering director, I will be your main point of contact on the committee - so feel free to message me on Whatsapp with any questions. I’m excited to help you become part of the important work being done here.”
Damilola Shofoluwe, Content Director
Aerospace Engineering, Fourth Year (she/her)
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Madeleine O'Brien, Continuing Professional Development Director
Liberal Arts, First Year (she/her)
“Hello! I am a mature student and mother back at university to finally get my degree. I have experience working in education which helps with school outreach!”
Our committee
Joseph Ostler, Project Leader
Mathematics, Third Year (he/him)
“Hi, my name is Joe and I've been part of the committee for 2 years now. I'm really proud of the difference we've made whilst I've been a part of this group. I think this group is so important because it provides education and representation I didn't get to see as a kid, and having good, relatable role models really helps you feel accepted and not out of place when you're LGBTQ+.”
Abigail Paterson, Education Secretary
Mental Health Nursing, First Year (she/her)
“Hiya! I’m Abi. I’m a third year philosophy student who is going into a postgraduate mental health nursing course next year. I’ve had a bunch of roles in Out in Education but right now I am the Education Secretary. Thanks for volunteering with us!”
Raya Barker, General Secretary and Treasurer
Mechanical Engineering, Third Year (they/them)
"Hello! As gen sec and treasurer I do various things on the committee, including social media posts and designing the newsletter. My favourite part of volunteering with Out in Education is going into schools and directly seeing the change we're making to young people's lives!"
Alexandra Hogg, Communications Director
English, Third Year (she/her)
“Hello, my name is Alex and my pronouns are she/her. I am currently in my second year studying English. I decided to join Out in Education because I want to help LBGT+ students feel accepted by their peers and safe in school.”
Eva Robson, Volunteering Director
Philosophy and Psychology, Third Year (she/her)
“Hi, I’m Eva! As volunteering director, I will be your main point of contact on the committee - so feel free to message me on Whatsapp with any questions. I’m excited to help you become part of the important work being done here.”
Damilola Shofoluwe, Content Director
Aerospace Engineering, Fourth Year (she/her)
""
Madeleine O'Brien, Continuing Professional Development Director
Liberal Arts, First Year (she/her)
“Hello! I am a mature student and mother back at university to finally get my degree. I have experience working in education which helps with school outreach!”
Former members
- Kate Bedford (Outreach & Liaison 2017-18)
- Erin Hampson (Representative 2017-18)
- Mo Obat (Representative 2017-18)
- Ibtisam Ahmed (Representative 2017-18)
- Andrew Coe (Project Leader 2016-17; Social Media 2015-16)
- Bryony Harper (Project Leader 2015-17)
- Kelly Waldorf (Outreach & Liaison 2016-17)
- Michele Lucherini (Outreach & Liaison 2016-17)
- Poppy Tait (Outreach & Liaison 2016-17)
- Chris Smith (Social Media 2016-17)
- Jack Doughty (Representative 2016-17; Social Media 2014-15)
- Ben Dolton (Representative 2016-17)
- Elisha Gilbertson (Representative 2016-17)
- Alice Gould (Representative 2015-16)
- Kit Shepherd (Fundraising 2015-16)
- Anam Sh (Outreach & Liaison 2015-16)
- Lucy Wake (Founder)