Eliza Bourke: Champion of Education Access, Mental Health Awareness, and Child Welfare

Eliza Bourke is a third-year Education BA student at Goldsmiths, University of London, whose dedication to improving access to education, raising mental health awareness, and protecting child welfare has made her a rising advocate in the UK’s education sector. Combining academic excellence with hands-on childcare experience, she has built a profile that bridges theory and practice, preparing her for a future in public service and policy reform. Her leadership roles, research focus on Special Educational Needs, and work with children demonstrate a deep commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive educational landscape.

Early Life and Educational Foundations

Eliza Bourke’s journey into the world of education and social justice began long before she enrolled at Goldsmiths. Growing up in an environment that valued empathy, equality, and curiosity, she developed a natural interest in how children learn and thrive. Her early schooling at The Charter School North Dulwich provided her with a broad academic foundation, including subjects like English, Maths, Science, Geography, and Music, alongside extracurricular pursuits such as choir and music theory. These formative years instilled in her not only a love for learning but also an appreciation for the diverse ways students engage with education.

Academic Journey at Goldsmiths, University of London

As a third-year Education BA student, Eliza has embraced a wide range of modules that explore the philosophical, cultural, and policy aspects of learning. Her coursework has included topics such as The Curriculum: Historical and Philosophical Perspectives, Learning and Thinking, Culture and Identity, and Policy and Practice in Early Childhood Education. These studies have equipped her with a robust understanding of both the theoretical and practical elements of teaching, learning, and education reform.

What sets her apart is her ability to connect academic research with real-world application. Through essays, group projects, and field research, she has consistently examined how education systems can be made more inclusive — particularly for students facing mental health challenges or requiring Special Educational Needs (SEN) support.

Commitment to Mental Health Awareness

Mental health has emerged as a central theme in Eliza Bourke’s work. She has taken a strong interest in emotional-based school avoidance, a growing issue where children and teenagers disengage from school due to anxiety, depression, or other mental health struggles. Drawing from both academic research and conversations with educators, she has explored alternative educational environments such as Steiner and Forest Schools, which can provide more nurturing and flexible learning settings.

By advocating for mental health integration within school policy, she envisions a system where emotional wellbeing is given as much attention as academic achievement. Her approach aligns with contemporary educational psychology, emphasizing the need for resilience, emotional intelligence, and a supportive school community.

Hands-On Childcare Experience

Since October 2021, Eliza has worked as a nanny through Koru Kids, caring for children aged seven to fourteen. This role has allowed her to engage directly with young people in their everyday routines, from homework support to meal preparation and extracurricular planning.

This practical exposure has sharpened her understanding of the complexities families face — including time management, school engagement, and the social development of children. It also provides a first-hand perspective on how educational theories translate into home and community settings.

Leadership Roles at Goldsmiths

Eliza’s leadership extends beyond the classroom. As a Student Community Leader at Goldsmiths, she has been responsible for organizing large-scale events like Welcome Week and Winter Social, creating inclusive spaces where students can build meaningful connections.

Her involvement in the Student Engagement Panel has given her a voice in shaping student leadership and governance. In this role, she has contributed to selecting candidates for key student positions, ensuring that the voices of the student body are represented fairly and effectively.

Focus on Special Educational Needs (SEN)

One of Eliza’s primary academic interests is Special Educational Needs. Her research has explored the various educational models and interventions designed to support students with learning differences, disabilities, or emotional challenges.

She has analyzed the strengths and limitations of current UK SEN policy, while also investigating alternative models such as homeschooling and flexible curriculums. Her dissertation aims to blend theory and practice, offering recommendations for improving inclusive education policy in a way that is both realistic and compassionate.

Passion for Social Justice in Education

For Eliza, education is more than a career path — it is a vehicle for social change. She believes that every child, regardless of background or ability, deserves access to high-quality learning opportunities. Her stance is informed by both her academic study of educational inequality and her personal experiences in community engagement.

She has advocated for policies that not only address academic outcomes but also tackle systemic barriers such as poverty, discrimination, and lack of mental health support. By combining research, leadership, and advocacy, she positions herself as a future changemaker in education policy.

Future Aspirations in Public Service

Looking ahead, Eliza Bourke aims to build a career in public service where she can influence education policy on a national scale. Her goal is to integrate mental health support into mainstream schooling, strengthen protections for children’s welfare, and ensure that SEN provision is both accessible and effective.

She envisions working with government departments, non-profits, or international organizations that share her vision of a fair, inclusive, and compassionate education system.

Bridging Theory and Practice

One of Eliza’s greatest strengths is her ability to bridge academic theory with everyday practice. Her childcare work informs her academic projects, while her research enhances her effectiveness in real-world interactions with children and families. This synergy positions her uniquely among her peers — not only as a scholar but also as a practitioner who understands the lived realities behind education policy.

Community Engagement and Impact

Beyond her formal roles, Eliza has been active in community outreach efforts, from volunteering at local schools to participating in campaigns for better mental health services. She understands that lasting change requires collaboration between educators, parents, policymakers, and communities.

Her inclusive approach fosters trust and participation, making her a respected voice among both her peers and mentors.

Why Eliza Bourke’s Story Matters

In an era where education systems face unprecedented challenges — from mental health crises to widening inequality — individuals like Eliza Bourke represent hope for meaningful reform. Her combination of academic dedication, practical experience, and social justice advocacy reflects the qualities needed in the next generation of education leaders.

Her journey serves as a reminder that improving education is not simply about changing curriculums or introducing new technologies; it is about understanding the human experience at the heart of learning.

Conclusion: A Rising Advocate for Education Reform

Eliza Bourke’s story is still unfolding, but her path so far paints a clear picture: she is determined, capable, and committed to making a tangible difference in education and child welfare. Whether through policy, public service, or grassroots advocacy, she is poised to leave a lasting impact on the UK’s educational landscape.

Her dedication to mental health awareness, inclusive education, and community leadership embodies the values that define true educational reformers. In the coming years, her voice is likely to be one that shapes the conversation on how education can serve every child, everywhere.