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Background

Julia has over twenty years experience of teaching in the adult education and secondary sectors. Following a previous career in radiography, Julia worked as a tutor of creative writing in adult education.

After completing a PGCE in Secondary English at Swansea Metropolitan University, Julia taught English at secondary level.

Julia obtained a BA (Hons) in English Literature and a Master’s in Educational Practice from Cardiff University.

Since obtaining Professional Doctorate in Education from Cardiff University, Julia has continued research into the mentoring experiences of novice teachers and the experiences of Chinese international students on the EdD programme in UWTSD.

Julia has extensive experience in supporting research capacity in schools through her participation in the National Professional Enquiry Programme (NPEP). She has also supported curriculum development and realisation through her involvement with the Camau i’r Dyfodol research and development project.

Specialist Subjects

  • Literacy
  • Tactical Teaching of Reading
  • Dialogic talk
  • Philosophy for Children
  • Mentoring
  • Professional learning
  • Curriculum realisation

Professional and/or Research Experience

Since becoming a Senior Lecturer in ITE in January 2021, Julia has fulfilled a range of roles and responsibilities, including Lead for Secondary English and BAEd tutor. She has been Operational Lead for the Personal Tutor Programme and Programme Manager for Secondary PGCE.

Julia was involved in co-constructing the Leadership module for the National MA in Wales, and previously taught and supervised Master's students.

Julia is currently a module lead on the EdD and supervises doctoral students at thesis stage.

Julia has gained substantial experience in educational research. Her Master's thesis focused on improving the quality of talk in the secondary classroom. Her doctoral research investigated NQTs' experiences of being mentored during induction.

Julia is currently researching how the transformative model of ITE is experienced in mentoring spaces. She is also researching the experiences of Chinese international students on a doctoral programme in Wales.

Qualifications

  • Diploma of the College of Radiographers (DCR)
  • BA (Hons) English Literature, Cardiff University
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Secondary English, Swansea Metropolitan University
  • Masters in Educational Practice (MEP), Cardiff University
  • Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA)
  • Professional Doctorate in Education, Cardiff University

Languages Spoken

Julia is a first language English speaker with intermediate ability in Welsh.

Professional Membership or Roles

Researcher/facilitator for the Camau i'r Dyfodol project - supporting curriculum realisation in Wales
National Professional Enquiry Project (NPEP)
Collaborative Research Network for leadership and professional learning
Supervisor of doctoral students

Professional Publications

  • Holloway, J.M. (2023) An exploration of the ‘lived’ experiences of newly qualified teachers, with a specific focus on mentoring, as they undergo the mandatory induction year during the global Covid-19 pandemic. EdD Thesis, Cardiff University.
  • Holloway, J., Morgan, A., and Milton, E. (2025) Is mentoring of newly qualified teachers (NQTs) in Wales supportive of the development of teacher professionalism or simply adding to NQTs' 'to-do lists'? Impact Issue 23, Spring 2025.

Available to Supervise Doctoral Students

Yes