Dr Matt McLain is an experienced teacher educator with a background in secondary design and technology (D&T), having taught in schools for over 12 years. Passionate about learning, teaching, and assessment, Matt now works in higher education as a Senior Lecturer, where he supports and inspires the next generation of teachers. His academic work is underpinned by a commitment to social inclusion, collaboration, leadership, and research-informed practice.

Matt plays an influential role in shaping national curriculum policy in England. He is currently serving as an Expert Advisor for the Department for Education’s 2025 Curriculum and Assessment Review. He previously contributed to the 2014 National Curriculum reform as part of the DfE’s D&T Expert Group, helping to draft non-statutory guidance and advise on the future direction of the subject. He also contributed to the development of the 2017 GCSE and A/AS Level subject criteria for D&T as a DfE-appointed drafter.

In addition to his academic and policy work, Matt is a Trustee and active member of the Design and Technology Association, where he continues to advocate for the subject at national and strategic levels.

Matt completed his PhD by Published Work in 2022, focusing on demonstration as a signature pedagogy in D&T. His research interests include subject knowledge development, curriculum design, and the philosophy of technology. He employs a range of qualitative and quantitative methodologies in his work, including Q Methodology and systematic literature reviews, drawing on a philosophical perspective grounded in Pragmatism.