Dr Alex Blower
@edudetective.bsky.social
Educator, Researcher, Writer.
Founder of Boys' Impact. Author of Lost Boys: How Education is Failing Young Working-Class Men.
Founder of Boys' Impact. Author of Lost Boys: How Education is Failing Young Working-Class Men.
Pinned
Dr Alex Blower
@edudetective.bsky.social
· Jul 11
Lost Boys: How Education is Failing Young Working-Class Men is now available in all good bookshops.
www.amazon.co.uk/Lost-Boys-Ed...
www.amazon.co.uk/Lost-Boys-Ed...
Reposted by Dr Alex Blower
WISERD and @careresearchwales.bsky.social recently celebrated the launch of @richgater.bsky.social's new book, ‘The 21st Century Ladz’, at sbarcIspark, joined by @edudetective.bsky.social, Dr Dan Evans, and Prof Jean Jenkins. 💻 Read more: bit.ly/3K7zpB8
November 18, 2025 at 4:14 PM
WISERD and @careresearchwales.bsky.social recently celebrated the launch of @richgater.bsky.social's new book, ‘The 21st Century Ladz’, at sbarcIspark, joined by @edudetective.bsky.social, Dr Dan Evans, and Prof Jean Jenkins. 💻 Read more: bit.ly/3K7zpB8
Great write up from our national Boys' Impact pilot in @tesmagazine.bsky.social.
It's taken half a decade of persistence and stubborn optimisim, but it finally feels like we're starting to move the dial.
It's taken half a decade of persistence and stubborn optimisim, but it finally feels like we're starting to move the dial.
How can we close the attainment gap for disadvantaged boys? An initiative at United Learning has succeeded in improving behaviour, attendance and engagement among boys on free school meals, finds @ellencph.bsky.social
How we’re getting disadvantaged boys more engaged in school
A new programme targeted at boys who are eligible for free school meals has resulted in improved attendance and behaviour at 17 United Learning schools. Ellen Peirson-Hagger hears what it involves
www.tes.com
November 4, 2025 at 9:42 PM
Great write up from our national Boys' Impact pilot in @tesmagazine.bsky.social.
It's taken half a decade of persistence and stubborn optimisim, but it finally feels like we're starting to move the dial.
It's taken half a decade of persistence and stubborn optimisim, but it finally feels like we're starting to move the dial.
Reposted by Dr Alex Blower
How can Britain Rebuild Opportunity for Working-Class Men?
Bethan Staton @financialtimes.com, Charlie Colenutt, Alex Blower @edudetective.bsky.social
🔎 Festival of Economics 2025
🎟️ Tickets on sale now ⬇️
Bethan Staton @financialtimes.com, Charlie Colenutt, Alex Blower @edudetective.bsky.social
🔎 Festival of Economics 2025
🎟️ Tickets on sale now ⬇️
How can Britain Rebuild Opportunity for Working-Class Men?
Part of the Festival of Economics 2025
buff.ly
October 24, 2025 at 4:32 PM
How can Britain Rebuild Opportunity for Working-Class Men?
Bethan Staton @financialtimes.com, Charlie Colenutt, Alex Blower @edudetective.bsky.social
🔎 Festival of Economics 2025
🎟️ Tickets on sale now ⬇️
Bethan Staton @financialtimes.com, Charlie Colenutt, Alex Blower @edudetective.bsky.social
🔎 Festival of Economics 2025
🎟️ Tickets on sale now ⬇️
Reposted by Dr Alex Blower
In our latest #Podcast, Richard Kemp and Dr Alex Blower discuss the role of #Masculinity in the lives of #WorkingClass boys and why we need to stop focusing on perceived individual failures.
https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2025/10/03/podcast-how-education-is-failing-young-working-class-men/
https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2025/10/03/podcast-how-education-is-failing-young-working-class-men/
PODCAST: How education is failing young working-class men - Transforming Society
In this episode, Richard Kemp speaks with Alex Blower about how the education system often fails working-class boys.
www.transformingsociety.co.uk
October 20, 2025 at 10:58 AM
In our latest #Podcast, Richard Kemp and Dr Alex Blower discuss the role of #Masculinity in the lives of #WorkingClass boys and why we need to stop focusing on perceived individual failures.
https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2025/10/03/podcast-how-education-is-failing-young-working-class-men/
https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2025/10/03/podcast-how-education-is-failing-young-working-class-men/
Reposted by Dr Alex Blower
✍ "In England in 2023/24, just 24% of males who were eligible for Free School Meals attained a grade 9-5 in GCSE Maths and English, compared with 43% who were not."
Our latest guest blog discusses the challenges facing working-class boys in education ⤵️
www.suttontrust.com/news-opinion...
Our latest guest blog discusses the challenges facing working-class boys in education ⤵️
www.suttontrust.com/news-opinion...
Changing the conversation about boys and young working-class men in education - The Sutton Trust
Discussing the the various educational challenges facing working-class boys.
www.suttontrust.com
September 15, 2025 at 8:21 AM
✍ "In England in 2023/24, just 24% of males who were eligible for Free School Meals attained a grade 9-5 in GCSE Maths and English, compared with 43% who were not."
Our latest guest blog discusses the challenges facing working-class boys in education ⤵️
www.suttontrust.com/news-opinion...
Our latest guest blog discusses the challenges facing working-class boys in education ⤵️
www.suttontrust.com/news-opinion...
Reposted by Dr Alex Blower
📚 Join WISERD and @careresearchwales.bsky.social in #sbarcIspark on 17/10, 2-5pm to celebrate launch of Dr @richgater.bsky.social book: The 21st Century Ladz, with Dr Alex Blower @edudetective.bsky.social founder of Boys' Impact movement and Dr Dan Evans, Swansea University 🎟️ bit.ly/40OcgsP
September 12, 2025 at 1:21 PM
📚 Join WISERD and @careresearchwales.bsky.social in #sbarcIspark on 17/10, 2-5pm to celebrate launch of Dr @richgater.bsky.social book: The 21st Century Ladz, with Dr Alex Blower @edudetective.bsky.social founder of Boys' Impact movement and Dr Dan Evans, Swansea University 🎟️ bit.ly/40OcgsP
After a break of nearly half a decade, I'm back on
YouTube!
As of today the Boys' Impact YouTube channel will be regularly posting content on issues related to masculinity and inequality in education.
youtu.be/OnlF8I3nv2M
YouTube!
As of today the Boys' Impact YouTube channel will be regularly posting content on issues related to masculinity and inequality in education.
youtu.be/OnlF8I3nv2M
Moving past Adolescence. What we really need to understand about young men in education.
YouTube video by Boys' Impact
youtu.be
August 20, 2025 at 9:42 AM
After a break of nearly half a decade, I'm back on
YouTube!
As of today the Boys' Impact YouTube channel will be regularly posting content on issues related to masculinity and inequality in education.
youtu.be/OnlF8I3nv2M
YouTube!
As of today the Boys' Impact YouTube channel will be regularly posting content on issues related to masculinity and inequality in education.
youtu.be/OnlF8I3nv2M
Reposted by Dr Alex Blower
What can a better understanding of teachers engagement with masculinity, mental health and the manosphere in the school classroom offer to widening access?
Hear from @edudetective.bsky.social and I on this weeks NEON blog
www.educationopportunities.co.uk/neon-blog/wh...
Hear from @edudetective.bsky.social and I on this weeks NEON blog
www.educationopportunities.co.uk/neon-blog/wh...
What can a better understanding teachers engagement with masculinity, mental health and the manosphere in the school classroom offer to widening access? - NEON
Dr Alex Blower and Dr Jon Rainford, Boys Impact Inequalities in educational outcomes for young men from low socioeconomic backgrounds are a key concern for access practitioners. Department for Educ...
www.educationopportunities.co.uk
July 18, 2025 at 11:22 AM
What can a better understanding of teachers engagement with masculinity, mental health and the manosphere in the school classroom offer to widening access?
Hear from @edudetective.bsky.social and I on this weeks NEON blog
www.educationopportunities.co.uk/neon-blog/wh...
Hear from @edudetective.bsky.social and I on this weeks NEON blog
www.educationopportunities.co.uk/neon-blog/wh...
New report published from research with 400 teachers today from @jonrainford.bsky.social and I today: The Problem with Boys? is the first of three reports which explore educators perceptions of young working-class men in the classroom.
www.boysimpact.com/s/boysreport...
www.boysimpact.com/s/boysreport...
www.boysimpact.com
July 16, 2025 at 9:03 AM
New report published from research with 400 teachers today from @jonrainford.bsky.social and I today: The Problem with Boys? is the first of three reports which explore educators perceptions of young working-class men in the classroom.
www.boysimpact.com/s/boysreport...
www.boysimpact.com/s/boysreport...
Reposted by Dr Alex Blower
New report published today from @edudetective.bsky.social and I today:
The Problem with Boys? is the first of three reports which explore educators perceptions of young working-class men in the classroom.
www.boysimpact.com/s/boysreport...
The Problem with Boys? is the first of three reports which explore educators perceptions of young working-class men in the classroom.
www.boysimpact.com/s/boysreport...
www.boysimpact.com
July 16, 2025 at 6:10 AM
New report published today from @edudetective.bsky.social and I today:
The Problem with Boys? is the first of three reports which explore educators perceptions of young working-class men in the classroom.
www.boysimpact.com/s/boysreport...
The Problem with Boys? is the first of three reports which explore educators perceptions of young working-class men in the classroom.
www.boysimpact.com/s/boysreport...
Lost Boys: How Education is Failing Young Working-Class Men is now available in all good bookshops.
www.amazon.co.uk/Lost-Boys-Ed...
www.amazon.co.uk/Lost-Boys-Ed...
July 11, 2025 at 6:07 AM
Lost Boys: How Education is Failing Young Working-Class Men is now available in all good bookshops.
www.amazon.co.uk/Lost-Boys-Ed...
www.amazon.co.uk/Lost-Boys-Ed...
Reposted by Dr Alex Blower
Absolutely wonderful meandering conversation with
@blindboyboatclub.bsky.social
youtu.be/NjmXzFQl4xI?...
@blindboyboatclub.bsky.social
youtu.be/NjmXzFQl4xI?...
This Is Why They Hate Kneecap | Ash Sarkar Meets Blindboy
YouTube video by Novara Media
youtu.be
July 7, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Absolutely wonderful meandering conversation with
@blindboyboatclub.bsky.social
youtu.be/NjmXzFQl4xI?...
@blindboyboatclub.bsky.social
youtu.be/NjmXzFQl4xI?...
Reposted by Dr Alex Blower
🎵 The UK's creative industries are a major economic & cultural force.
But our research has shown that access to careers in the sector - including in professions like music, film and TV - is unequal.
Working class representation needs to be improved ⬇️
But our research has shown that access to careers in the sector - including in professions like music, film and TV - is unequal.
Working class representation needs to be improved ⬇️
A Class Act - The Sutton Trust
Exploring access to creative degrees and elitism in the creative industries.
www.suttontrust.com
June 29, 2025 at 7:44 PM
🎵 The UK's creative industries are a major economic & cultural force.
But our research has shown that access to careers in the sector - including in professions like music, film and TV - is unequal.
Working class representation needs to be improved ⬇️
But our research has shown that access to careers in the sector - including in professions like music, film and TV - is unequal.
Working class representation needs to be improved ⬇️
Reposted by Dr Alex Blower
They are giving away the 2nd edition of Culture is bad for you for just £5.50! manchesteruniversitypress.co.uk/9781526177810/ using the code SUN50
June 27, 2025 at 2:06 PM
They are giving away the 2nd edition of Culture is bad for you for just £5.50! manchesteruniversitypress.co.uk/9781526177810/ using the code SUN50
Reposted by Dr Alex Blower
Here's my submission to the Met Office name our storms competition. Let them know your choices at this link:
www.metoffice.gov.uk/forms/name-o...
www.metoffice.gov.uk/forms/name-o...
June 19, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Here's my submission to the Met Office name our storms competition. Let them know your choices at this link:
www.metoffice.gov.uk/forms/name-o...
www.metoffice.gov.uk/forms/name-o...
Gobsmacked at how much the Reform councilor from my hometown looks like a sneaky Samuel Tarley
May 28, 2025 at 8:08 PM
Gobsmacked at how much the Reform councilor from my hometown looks like a sneaky Samuel Tarley
Reposted by Dr Alex Blower
"Until we move past the binary conversation of toxic masculinity, we are going to be stuck exactly where we are, and with all the same problems" – Alex Blower, author of Lost Boys: How Education is Failing Young Working-Class Men
Is ‘toxic masculinity’ starting the wrong conversation?
Alex Blower, author of 'Lost Boys: How Education is Failing Young Working-Class Men' which publishes in July, discusses why the popular phrase 'toxic masculi...
buff.ly
May 13, 2025 at 11:17 AM
"Until we move past the binary conversation of toxic masculinity, we are going to be stuck exactly where we are, and with all the same problems" – Alex Blower, author of Lost Boys: How Education is Failing Young Working-Class Men
Reposted by Dr Alex Blower
Netflix's Adolescence has struck a chord - its themes feel uncomfortably relevant.
Pertinent @emeraldpublishing.bsky.social reads address the complexities of modern masculinities - when these conversations matter more than ever ⬇️
@drlisasugiura.bsky.social
@utsa.bsky.social
@richgater.bsky.social
Pertinent @emeraldpublishing.bsky.social reads address the complexities of modern masculinities - when these conversations matter more than ever ⬇️
@drlisasugiura.bsky.social
@utsa.bsky.social
@richgater.bsky.social
May 13, 2025 at 8:33 PM
Netflix's Adolescence has struck a chord - its themes feel uncomfortably relevant.
Pertinent @emeraldpublishing.bsky.social reads address the complexities of modern masculinities - when these conversations matter more than ever ⬇️
@drlisasugiura.bsky.social
@utsa.bsky.social
@richgater.bsky.social
Pertinent @emeraldpublishing.bsky.social reads address the complexities of modern masculinities - when these conversations matter more than ever ⬇️
@drlisasugiura.bsky.social
@utsa.bsky.social
@richgater.bsky.social
🚨 Boys' Impact Conference 2025 🚨
This year's Boys' Impact Conference will be taking place on 10th-11th September at Manchester Met Uni.
It's amazing, and it's free to attend.
Fancy delivering a session?
Please find a link to the call for contributions below:
www.boysimpact.com/conference-1
This year's Boys' Impact Conference will be taking place on 10th-11th September at Manchester Met Uni.
It's amazing, and it's free to attend.
Fancy delivering a session?
Please find a link to the call for contributions below:
www.boysimpact.com/conference-1
Submit a proposal — Boys' Impact
www.boysimpact.com
May 7, 2025 at 3:47 PM
🚨 Boys' Impact Conference 2025 🚨
This year's Boys' Impact Conference will be taking place on 10th-11th September at Manchester Met Uni.
It's amazing, and it's free to attend.
Fancy delivering a session?
Please find a link to the call for contributions below:
www.boysimpact.com/conference-1
This year's Boys' Impact Conference will be taking place on 10th-11th September at Manchester Met Uni.
It's amazing, and it's free to attend.
Fancy delivering a session?
Please find a link to the call for contributions below:
www.boysimpact.com/conference-1
Reposted by Dr Alex Blower
Lots of opportunities here - including a £2k commission to create a unique piece of artwork marking 25 yrs of advocacy and support in opening up arts and culture to deaf, deafened and hard of hearing audiences.
Please share :)
Please share :)
Jobs - Disability Arts Online
disabilityarts.online
April 19, 2025 at 8:06 AM
Lots of opportunities here - including a £2k commission to create a unique piece of artwork marking 25 yrs of advocacy and support in opening up arts and culture to deaf, deafened and hard of hearing audiences.
Please share :)
Please share :)
Reposted by Dr Alex Blower
💬 "Talent is everywhere, with over 150,000 students on creative courses every year. Opportunity, particularly at the most prestigious institutions, is not." @drdaveobrien.bsky.social
Why action is needed to widen access to creative higher education 👇
Why action is needed to widen access to creative higher education 👇
The class crisis in creative HE - The Sutton Trust
An author of our work on access to creative professions explores the research in detail.
www.suttontrust.com
April 17, 2025 at 7:44 PM
💬 "Talent is everywhere, with over 150,000 students on creative courses every year. Opportunity, particularly at the most prestigious institutions, is not." @drdaveobrien.bsky.social
Why action is needed to widen access to creative higher education 👇
Why action is needed to widen access to creative higher education 👇
Reposted by Dr Alex Blower
Please consider supporting the Comics Cultural Impact Collective’s report asking DCMS for investment in comics forms.gle/mk6iTZK9yUDV...
April 17, 2025 at 8:58 AM
Please consider supporting the Comics Cultural Impact Collective’s report asking DCMS for investment in comics forms.gle/mk6iTZK9yUDV...