Professor of Educational Psychology, SEND & Inclusion

Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester

Professor Garry Squires is a leading figure in the field of educational psychology, with a distinguished career spanning over four decades. He currently serves as Professor of Educational Psychology, Special Educational Needs and Inclusion at the Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, where he also holds the role of Director of Teaching and Learning.

A Chartered Psychologist (CPsychol), Fellow of the British Psychological Society (FBPsS), and holder of the EuroPsy qualification, Professor Squires has made significant contributions to the understanding and advancement of inclusive education, mental health in schools, and cognitive behavioural interventions. His research portfolio includes over 140 outputs, with landmark studies such as the national evaluation of Achievement for All, the PATHS Curriculum trial, and the READY Study on Deaf and Hard of Hearing youth.

Professor Squires has worked extensively with national and international bodies, including the European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education, the British Dyslexia Association, and the National Education Union. He has also served as Chair of nasen’s Editorial Advisory Board and the National Award Committee for the EuroPsy qualification.

Earlier in his career, he served as a Flight Lieutenant in the Royal Air Force Reserve (1982–1997), reflecting a longstanding commitment to public service. He continues to influence educational policy and practice through his consultancy, teaching, and supervision of doctoral research.

Professor Squires is is part of the Education and Psychology research group at Manchester Institute of Education. The impact of his work on policies produced across the world can be seen at Overview - Sage Policy Profiles (sagepub.com)

• UKCGE Recognised Research Supervisor 
• Fellow of the British Psychological Society [FBPsS]
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
• Member of the professional and practice-focused doctoral research Special Interest Group. This is a UK group of academics teaching on a range of professional doctorates.
• Member of the European Network for Social and Emotional Competence in Children. This is an international group and includes researchers and practitioners.
• Registered Practitioner Psychologist with the Health Professions Council. This is required to work as an applied psychologist in the UK.
• European Certificate in Psychology – Registered European Psychologist [EuroPsy]. This allows recognition of qualifications as an applied psychologist in most countries in Europe.
• Former Chartered Scientist [CSci], (up to April 2018)
• Member of the International School Psychology Association
• Chartered Psychologist [CPsychol],
• Member of the BPS Division of Educational and Child Psychology,
• Former Member of BPS Special Interest groups (Qualitative Methods in Psychology section; Special Group in Coaching Psychology)
• Former Member of the Association of Educational Psychologists
• Former Chartered Biologist and Member of the Institute of Biology (1984-1997)

BEd(Hons), BSc(Hons), MSc, DEdPsy, Dip Psych, EuroPsy, CPsychol, FBPsS, FHEA

Garry's interests are around special educational needs; mental health; inclusion; professional educational psychology practice; the use of data in educational systems; dyslexia; cognitive behavioural therapy; therapeutic approaches in education; and, evaluating school based interventions and programmes.

• Dec 2024-June 2025 Literature review of SEND. National Education Union
• May 2023-Dec 2024 Growth Areas to understand practices supporting the physical activity of children and young people and identify those most at need, with the intent to inform future delivery and expansion. Youth Sports Trust
• Feb 2023-Dec 2023 Reducing Demand for Illicit Substances (Innovation Fund) for the Staying Safe Programme (drugs education for university students)
• Jan 2022-Apr 2023 Well Schools. Youth Sports Trust
• May 2018 - Sep 2023 The READY Study: Recording Emerging Adulthood in Deaf Youth. National Deaf Children's Society
• Sep 2016 - Apr 2021 An Evaluation of Achievement for All Education Endowment Foundation
• Jan 2018 - Dec 2020 Preventing School Failure European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education
• Aug 2015-Dec 2017 Early School Leavers and learners with disabilities and/or Special Educational Needs. European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education
• Sep 2015-Mar 2018 Evaluating FRIENDS Education Endowment Foundation
• Sep 2014-Jul 2017 Evaluating 'The Good Behaviour Game' Education Endowment Foundation
• July 2012-Dec 2015 A study of the experiences of students with Special Educational Needs at post-primary school. National Council for Special Education, Ireland
• Mar 2012-Jul 2017 Evaluating the efficacy and effectiveness of the Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies (PATHS) curriculum in promoting social and emotional wellbeing among children in primary school: a cluster randomised controlled trial National Institute for Health Research
• May 2012 - May 2014 Identifying effective practice in the provision of education and education support services for 16 -19 year old deaf young people in Further Education in England. National Deaf Children's Society
• Sep 2009 - Sep 2011 National Evaluation of Achievement for All. Department for Education
• Sep 2010 - Sep 2011 Educational Psychologists and therapeutic intervention: Promoting positive mental health in schools
• Sep 2005 - Jun 2006 A Review of the Functions and Contribution of Educational Psychologists in England and Wales in light of “Every Child Matters: Change for Children” Department of Education and Skills