I’m Francis Gilbert, a writer, teacher, academic and parent, currently Head of the MA in Creative Writing and Education at Goldsmiths, University of London. I’ve always been passionate about writing that connects—whether in the classroom, online, in print or in public life. Lately, I’ve been experimenting with digital tools—including AI image generators and design aids—to help reinvigorate my website and connect more effectively with readers. This approach aligns with recent Department for Education guidance on generative AI in education and my university’s own AI guidance, which encourages thoughtful, creative use of emerging technologies in line with professional values. Crucially, all the content here remains entirely mine: written, researched and edited by me. I’ve used AI to generate some visual elements and assist with layout ideas, but every idea, insight and turn of phrase reflects my own thinking and experience. This is an exciting era. These new tools have helped me revamp and refresh some of my most popular posts—bringing new life, clarity and accessibility to pieces that continue to resonate. If you’re a teacher, writer, parent—or just curious—I hope you find something useful or inspiring here.
Writer
I have been writing books, articles and appearing on TV/Radio since 2004, when I published my book I’m A Teacher, Get Me Out of Here (2004).
My other books include Working The System — How To Get The Very Best State Education For Your Child (2009) and three novels, The Last Day Of Term (Short Books/Blue Door Press 2011), Who Do You Love (Blue Door Press 2017) and Snow on the Danube (Blue Door Press 2019).
I have also published a number of very successful study guides, including my bestselling Analysis and Study Guide: Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (2013).
Researcher
I have always used research to inform my writing and teaching, but since becoming an academic I have conducted more formal research, which has been ethically approved by my institution.
Teacher
I am a teacher, having taught in London schools from 1991-2015, and then at Goldsmiths university 2015-present, where I completed my PhD thesis in Creative Writing and Education. After that, I was course leader for Goldsmiths’ PGCE English course (2015-2022) and Head of MA Creative Writing and Education (2016 to present). In 2022, I was appointed Academic Co-Director of Goldsmiths’ Connected Curriculum.
MEDIA
I am often invited onto TV and radio shows to defend what I would term creative, caring approaches to education.
I have written extensively for the national press, and appeared as a commentator on all the major TV channels and radio stations. You can view a recent appearance on TV here (August 2024).
Education
I was educated at Sussex University, Cambridge University and completed an MA in Creative Writing at the University Of East Anglia, studying under Malcolm Bradbury and Rose Tremain (1991). I have a Diploma in Journalism from the London College of Printing (1998), a PhD in Creative Writing and Education (2015), and Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (2018).
What people have said about me
“A great teacher”
Jeremy Paxman, BBC’s Newsnight
“Clearly Francis Gilbert is a gifted and charismatic teacher”
Philip Pullman, author of ‘Northern Lights’
“Gilbert writes so well that you half-suspect he could give up the day job”
The Independent