Dr Claire Elizabeth Wolstenholme BSc (Hons), MRes, EdD
Research Fellow
Summary
I am a researcher in education with a background in psychology and particular interests in mental health, well being, and inclusion in education.
About
I joined the Sheffield Institute of education in 2006, my expertise is in research and evaluation work, including bidding, project management, delivery and report writing. I work on a variety of mixed methods, diverse and often complex projects for a wide number of clients including; Department for Education, Education Endowment Foundation and Government Equalities Office. My particular skillset is in qualitative methodologies.
I am currently undertaking research to explore the barriers that male students may face in accessing university specific mental health support.
Children and young people’s wellbeing
Education Policy
LGBT wellbeing
Literacy
Post 16, skills and higher education policy
Equality and Diversity
Research
Journal Articles
Boylan, M., Maxwell, B., Wolstenholme, C., Jay, T., & Demack, S. (2018). The mathematics teacher exchange and 'mastery' in England: The evidence for the efficacy of component practices. Education sciences, 8 (4), 202. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci8040202
Hodge, N., & Wolstenholme, C. (2016). 'I didn't stand a chance': how parents experience the exclusions appeal tribunal. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 20 (12), 1297-1309. https://doi.org/10.1080/13603116.2016.1168875
Formby, E., & Wolstenholme, C. (2012). If there’s going to be a subject that you don’t have to do …’ Findings from a mapping study of PSHE education in English secondary schools. Pastoral care in education: an international journal of personal, social and emotional development, 30 (1), 5-18. https://doi.org/10.1080/02643944.2011.651227
Clayton, B., Beard, C., Humberstone, B., & Wolstenholme, C. (2009). The jouissance of learning: evolutionary musings on the pleasures of learning in higher education. Teaching in Higher Education, 14 (4), 375-386. https://doi.org/10.1080/13562510903050129
Coldron, J.H., Willis, B., & Wolstenholme, C. (2009). Selection by attainment and aptitude in English secondary schools. British journal of educational studies, 57 (3), 245-264. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8527.2009.00435.x
Culliney, M., Demack, S., Boylan, M., & Wolstenholme, C. (2022). Realistic maths education: evaluation report. Education Endowment Foundation. https://d2tic4wvo1iusb.cloudfront.net/documents/projects/Realistic-Maths-Education-FINAL.pdf?v=1669909277
Perry, E., Halliday, J., Booth, J., Wolstenholme, C., & Boylan, M. (2022). Researching professional development leaders: investigating support for ‘remote’ professional development leaders. Ogden Trust. https://www.ogdentrust.com/about-us/publications-and-research/researching-professional-development-leaders/
Demack, S., Maxwell, B., Coldwell, M., Stevens, A., Wolstenholme, C., Reaney, S., ... Lortie-Fortes, H. (2021). Review of EEF Projects. Education Endowment Foundation. https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/projects-and-evaluation/evaluation/eef-evaluation-reports-and-research-papers/syntheses-of-eef-evaluations/review-of-eef-projects
Maxwell, B., Stevens, A., Demack, S., Coldwell, M., Wolstenholme, C., Reaney-Wood, S., ... Lortie-Forgues, H. (2021). EEF Implementation and Process Evaluation (IPE) quality pilot. Education Endowment Foundation.
Maxwell, B., Stiell, B., Stevens, A., Demack, S., Coldwell, M., Wolstenholme, C., ... Lortie-Forgues, H. (2021). Scale-up of EEF efficacy to effectiveness trials. Education Endowment Foundation (EEF). https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/projects-and-evaluation/evaluation/eef-evaluation-reports-and-research-papers/syntheses-of-eef-evaluations/scale-up-of-eef-efficacy-trials-to-effectiveness-trials
Bevins, S., Moore, N., Stiell, B., Wolstenholme, C., & Price, G. (2020). STEM and EMI Report: Scoping Study Telangana. British Council.
Bevins, S., Moore, N., Stiell, B., Wolstenholme, C., & Price, G. (2020). STEM and EMI Scoping Study: North East Region. British Council.
Bevins, S., Moore, N., Stiell, B., Wolstenholme, C., & Price, G. (2020). STEM and EMI Scoping Study: Madhya Pradesh. British Council.
Bevins, S., Moore, N., Stiell, B., Wolstenholme, C., & Price, G. (2020). STEM and EMI Report: Scoping Study Gujarat Region. British Council.
Bevins, S., Moore, N., Stiell, B., Wolstenholme, C., & Price, G. (2020). STEM and EMI Report: Karnataka. British Council.
Boylan, M., Wolstenholme, C., Maxwell, B., Demack, S., Jay, T., Reaney, S., & Adams, G. (2019). Longitudinal evaluation of the Mathematics Teacher Exchange: China-England - Final Report. Department for Education. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/evaluation-of-the-maths-teacher-exchange-china-and-england
Boylan, M., Demack, S., Wolstenholme, C., Reidy, J., & Reaney, S. (2018). ScratchMaths: evaluation report and executive sum
Featured research projects
Link 1: https://shura.shu.ac.uk/31613/
Link 2: https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/29657
Link 3: https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/23973
Link 4: https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/11825
Link 5: https://shura.shu.ac.uk/30177/
Worked with colleagues in CSE on the Science and Innovation Observatory
Evaluation of Think Forward Pilot, 2013-2015 (for Education Endowment Foundation) with the Institute of Social and Economic Research, University of Essex
Publications
Journal articles
Wolstenholme, C.E. (2024). 'You are being categorised as better than you are'.. Male students’ perception of male student mental health. Pastoral Care in Education. http://doi.org/10.1080/02643944.2024.2337693
Boylan, M., Maxwell, B., Wolstenholme, C., Jay, T., & Demack, S. (2018). The mathematics teacher exchange and 'mastery' in England: The evidence for the efficacy of component practices. Education sciences, 8 (4), 202. http://doi.org/10.3390/educsci8040202
Hodge, N., & Wolstenholme, C. (2016). 'I didn't stand a chance': how parents experience the exclusions appeal tribunal. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 20 (12), 1297-1309. http://doi.org/10.1080/13603116.2016.1168875
Formby, E., & Wolstenholme, C. (2012). If there’s going to be a subject that you don’t have to do …’ Findings from a mapping study of PSHE education in English secondary schools. Pastoral care in education: an international journal of personal, social and emotional development, 30 (1), 5-18. http://doi.org/10.1080/02643944.2011.651227
Clayton, B., Beard, C., Humberstone, B., & Wolstenholme, C. (2009). The jouissance of learning: evolutionary musings on the pleasures of learning in higher education. Teaching in Higher Education, 14 (4), 375-386. http://doi.org/10.1080/13562510903050129
Coldron, J.H., Willis, B., & Wolstenholme, C. (2009). Selection by attainment and aptitude in English secondary schools. British journal of educational studies, 57 (3), 245-264. http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8527.2009.00435.x
Reports
Willis, B., Maxwell, B., Stiell, B., Clark, L., Stevens, A., Clarkson, L., ... Zhu, H. (2023). Regional implementation leads in Bristol. Education Endowment Foundation. https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/support-for-schools/eef-regional-support/campaigns/regional-implementation-leads-in-bristol?utm_source=/support-for-schools/eef-regional-support/campaigns/regional-implementation-leads-in-bristol&utm_medium=search&utm_campaign=site_search&search_term=Regional%20implementation%20leads%20in%20Bristol
Formby, E., Wolstenholme, C., Culliney, M., & Demack, S. (2022). The evaluation of the government’s anti-homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying in schools programme. Government Equalities Office.
Culliney, M., Demack, S., Boylan, M., & Wolstenholme, C. (2022). Realistic maths education: evaluation report. Education Endowment Foundation. https://d2tic4wvo1iusb.cloudfront.net/documents/projects/Realistic-Maths-Education-FINAL.pdf?v=1669909277
Wolstenholme, C., Reaney-Wood, S., Maxwell, B., Straw, S., McLean, D., Worth, J., & Staunton, R. (2022). TLIF evaluation: Geographical Association/Association for Science Education Critical Thinking for Achievement project. Department for Education. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1103989/TLIF_evaluation_Geographical_Association_Association_for_Science_Education_Critical_Thinking_for_Achievement_project.pdf
Perry, E., Halliday, J., Booth, J., Wolstenholme, C., & Boylan, M. (2022). Researching professional development leaders: investigating support for ‘remote’ professional development leaders. Ogden Trust. https://www.ogdentrust.com/about-us/publications-and-research/researching-professional-development-leaders/
Demack, S., Maxwell, B., Coldwell, M., Stevens, A., Wolstenholme, C., Reaney, S., ... Lortie-Fortes, H. (2021). Review of EEF Projects. Education Endowment Foundation. https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/projects-and-evaluation/evaluation/eef-evaluation-reports-and-research-papers/syntheses-of-eef-evaluations/review-of-eef-projects
Maxwell, B., Stevens, A., Demack, S., Coldwell, M., Wolstenholme, C., Reaney-Wood, S., ... Lortie-Forgues, H. (2021). EEF Implementation and Process Evaluation (IPE) quality pilot. Education Endowment Foundation.
Maxwell, B., Stiell, B., Stevens, A., Demack, S., Coldwell, M., Wolstenholme, C., ... Lortie-Forgues, H. (2021). Scale-up of EEF efficacy to effectiveness trials. Education Endowment Foundation (EEF). https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/projects-and-evaluation/evaluation/eef-evaluation-reports-and-research-papers/syntheses-of-eef-evaluations/scale-up-of-eef-efficacy-trials-to-effectiveness-trials
Perry, E., Booth, J., Boylan, M., Wolstenholme, C., Chedzey, K., & Cunningham, M. (2021). Quality assurance of teachers’ continuing professional development: design, development and pilot of a CPD quality assurance system - evaluation report. London, UK: Wellcome. https://chartered.college/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Piloting-a-CPD-QA-system-Evaluation_April-2021.pdf
Bevins, S., Moore, N., Stiell, B., Wolstenholme, C., & Price, G. (2020). STEM and EMI Report: Scoping Study Telangana. British Council.
Bevins, S., Moore, N., Stiell, B., Wolstenholme, C., & Price, G. (2020). STEM and EMI Scoping Study: North East Region. British Council.
Bevins, S., Moore, N., Stiell, B., Wolstenholme, C., & Price, G. (2020). STEM and EMI Scoping Study: Madhya Pradesh. British Council.
Bevins, S., Moore, N., Stiell, B., Wolstenholme, C., & Price, G. (2020). STEM and EMI Report: Scoping Study Gujarat Region. British Council.
Bevins, S., Moore, N., Stiell, B., Wolstenholme, C., & Price, G. (2020). STEM and EMI Report: Karnataka. British Council.
Boylan, M., Wolstenholme, C., Maxwell, B., Demack, S., Jay, T., Reaney, S., & Adams, G. (2019). Longitudinal evaluation of the Mathematics Teacher Exchange: China-England - Final Report. Department for Education. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/evaluation-of-the-maths-teacher-exchange-china-and-england
Formby, E., Culliney, M., Demack, S., & Wolstenholme, C. (2018). The evaluation of the government’s anti-homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying in schools programme: Baseline report.
Boylan, M., Demack, S., Wolstenholme, C., Reidy, J., & Reaney, S. (2018). ScratchMaths: evaluation report and executive summary. Education Endownment Foundation. https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/public/files/Projects/Evaluation_Reports/ScratchMaths.pdf
Wolstenholme, C., Willis, B., & Culliney, M. (2016). Evaluation of the impact of Jigsaw the mindful approach to PSHE on primary schools. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University.
Wolstenholme, C., & Willis, B. (2016). Personal Social Health & Economic (PSHE) Education under the coalition government. Sheffield, UK: Sheffield Hallam University. http://www.shu.ac.uk/research/ceir/sites/ceir/files/PSHE%20Research%20report%20January%202016.pdf
Burnett, C., Wolstenholme, C., Stiell, B., & Stevens, A. (2014). Evaluation of Beyond Booked Up.
Wolstenholme, C., Coldwell, M., & Stiell, B. (2014). Independent Review Panel and First-tier Tribunal Exclusion Appeals systems : Research Report. Department for Education. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/285458/DFE-RR313.pdf
Pearson, S., Bashir, N., Batty, E., Dayson, C., Sanderson, E., Wilson, I., ... Wolstenholme, C. (2013). myplace Impact Evaluation Report. Big Lottery Fund.
Bashir, N., Dayson, C., Batty, E., Pearson, S., Sanderson, E., Wilson, I., ... Wolstenholme, C. (2013). myplace evaluation: Final report. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-myplace
Bashir, N., Batty, E., Dayson, C., Pearson, S., Sanderson, E., Wilson, I., ... Wolstenholme, C. (2013). myplace evaluation: Summary report. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/myplace-summary-report
Bashir, N., Batty, E., Dayson, C., Pearson, S., Sanderson, E., Wilson, I., ... Wolstenholme, C. (2013). Evaluation of myplace: Technical report. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/myplace-technical-report
Bashir, N., Batty, E., Clague, L., Formby, E., Pearson, S., & Wolstenholme, C. (2013). myplace case study report. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/myplace-case-study
Bashir, N., Batty, E., Dayson, C., Pearson, S., Platts-Fowler, D., Sanderson, E., ... Wolstenholme, C. (2012). myplace Impact Evaluation Interim Report. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/myplace-impact-evaluation-interim-report
Bashir, N., Batty, E., Dayson, C., Pearson, S., Platts-Fowler, D., Sanderson, E., ... Wolstenholme, C. (2012). myplace impact evaluation interim report: executive summary. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/myplace-impact-evaluation-interim-report-executive-summary
Formby, E., Coldwell, M., Stiell, B., Demack, S., Stevens, A., Shipton, L., ... Willis, B. (2011). Personal, social, healthand economic (PSHE)education: A mappingstudy of the prevalentmodels of delivery andtheir effectiveness. London: Department for Education.
Clague, L., Coldwell, M., Stevens, A., Stiell, B., Willis, B., & Wolstenholme, C. (2011). Process evaluation of the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check Pilot. DfE. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/year-1-phonics-screening-check-pilot-evaluation
Tang, N., Nollent, A., Barley, R., & Wolstenholme, C. (2009). Linking outward and inward mobility : how raising the international horizons of UK students enhances the international student experience on the UK campus. Sheffield Hallam University.
Price, I., Clark, E., Holland, M.R., Emerton, C., & Wolstenholme, C. (2009). Condition matters: pupil voices on the design and condition of secondary schools. Reading: CfBT Education Trust.
Coldron, J.H., Tanner, E., Finch, S., Shipton, L., Wolstenholme, C., Willis, B., ... Stiell, B. (2008). Secondary school admissions. London: Department for Children, Schools and Families. http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/research/data/uploadfiles/DCSF-RR020.pdf
Theses / Dissertations
Wolstenholme, C. (2022). Male Student Perspectives on Male Students Mental Health in HE. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Kellock, A., & Freeman, E.
Other publications
Wolstenholme, C. (2024). How can we better support male students with their mental health? Sheffield Institute of Education, Sheffield Hallam University: https://blogs.shu.ac.uk/sioe/2024/04/15/how-can-we-better-support-male-students-with-their-mental-health/
Evans, A., Hawksley, F., Holland, M.R., Wolstenholme, C.E., & Willis, B. (2007). The role of the initial teacher training co-ordinator: secondary headteachers' and ITT co-ordinators' perspectives. http://www.ttrb.ac.uk/attachments/80a5682f-5ef5-435b-8472-c8348f2ee5ec.pdf
Coldwell, M.R., Gornall, L., Holland, M.R., Trickey, D.S., Willis, B., & Wolstenholme, C.E. (2006). Developing enterprise culture in a northern educational authority in the UK: involving trainee teachers in learning-orientated evaluation. http://www.eera-ecer.eu/ecer/ecer2006/
Evans, A., Holland, M.R., Wolstenholme, C.E., Willis, B., & Hawksley, F. (2006). The role of the Initial Teacher Training Coordinator in the school based element of partnership: to what extent does the Co-ordinator undertake supervision of aspects of quality assurance? Ljubljana: National School for Leadership in Education: http://www.pef.uni-lj.si/atee/
Other activities
Journal reviewing for: International Journal of Health Promotion and Education
Postgraduate supervision
Supervisor of Masters education students