We are the trade union and professional association for educational psychologists (EPs) in the UK. Representing more than 4,000 members, we champion the vital work of EPs, protect their rights at work, and uphold the highest professional and academic standards - to achieve the best outcomes for children and young people. We represent professionals at every stage of their career, from Trainee, Assistants to Retired members.

As a democratic, member-led organisation, we are governed by elected representatives from across the profession. Our dedicated staff team supports the day-to-day running of the association, provides expert legal and professional advice to members, and ensures the voice of EPs is represented within the national policy and political landscape.

Educational psychology applies psychological theory, research and practice to support children, young people, families and education settings, promoting emotional and social wellbeing. Educational psychologists (EPs) also support children and young people with learning difficulties to achieve their full potential through assessment, monitoring and evaluation.

EPs work with children and young people, typically aged 0–25, who may be experiencing a range of difficulties. This can include supporting learning, developing emotional, social and behavioural skills, and promoting psychological development. EPs work collaboratively with children, parents, teachers, social workers, doctors, education officers and other professionals involved in the education and care of children and young people.

EPs work across a wide range of settings. Many are employed in the public sector, most commonly within local authority children’s services. Other employers include NHS trusts, particularly within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), schools and multi-academy trusts in both the state and independent sectors, voluntary and charitable organisations, social enterprises, and private consultancy firms.

Some EPs work part-time or full-time outside local authorities as sole practitioners or within private practice partnerships. Others work in higher education as university lecturers or tutors on professional training programmes for educational psychologists, either full-time or alongside professional practice.

Career prospects for newly qualified EPs are currently strong, with most securing their first practitioner post immediately after completing training. Across the public sector, demand for EPs has continues to exceed the numbers qualified.

Many local authorities now provide additional ‘non-statutory’ educational psychology services to schools on a traded basis, whereby schools commission EP support directly. In many areas, this has led to significant growth in demand and the recruitment of additional EP staff.

Legislative changes introduced in 2014 extended local authorities’ responsibilities for supporting young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) up to the age of 25. EPs are also expected to play a central role in the Department for Education’s developing ‘Experts at Hand’ offer, designed to strengthen inclusion support within schools. Together, these developments are likely to increase demand for EP services further.

To practise as an EP in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, you must complete approved training and hold qualifications recognised by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as demonstrating your competence and fitness to practise.

EPs providing services to the public are legally required to register with the HCPC, the statutory regulator for practitioner psychologists in the UK, including clinical, forensic and occupational psychologists. Further information about the requirements for registration can be found on the HCPC website.

In England, Northern Ireland and Wales trainee EPs complete a three-year postgraduate training programme leading to a doctorate qualification. The first year is primarily university-based, while during the second and third years trainees typically spend three to four days each week on supervised placements within local authority educational psychology services or other approved providers, alongside their academic studies.

There are currently 12 universities in England, as well as one in Wales and one in Northern Ireland, offering doctorate training programmes in Educational Psychology. The AEP manages the recruitment process on behalf of the Department for Education, for all government-funded courses in England and the universities offering places is confirmed annually and subject to change.

To be considered for a place on a doctorate programme, applicants must hold a psychology degree (BA, BSc or equivalent) accredited or recognised by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as conferring eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). 

Applicants without a psychology undergraduate degree may be able to complete an approved conversion course or a psychology-related Master’s degree to gain GBC eligibility. Further information about accredited degrees and conversion courses is available on the BPS website.

In addition to academic qualifications, applicants are expected to have significant experience, typically at least one year full-time equivalent, working with children and young people in education, health, social care or childcare settings. Further information is available on the Training webpage.

If you are still at school and considering your GCSE or A-level options, psychology may be a useful subject to study if it is offered by your school or college. While it is not required for entry onto a psychology degree, it can provide valuable insight into the discipline and introduce the approaches used in psychology as both a social and experimental science. Strong GCSE and A/AS-level qualifications in English, maths and a science subject are also beneficial, as statistics and research methods form a significant part of most psychology degrees.

You may also find it helpful to gain voluntary experience working with children and young people in education, early years or special educational needs settings. Your school or college may be able to advise on suitable opportunities.

As an undergraduate studying psychology, aiming for a strong degree classification (a First or 2:1) will improve your chances of securing a place on a postgraduate training programme. Gaining relevant experience alongside your studies, whether through paid work or volunteering, is also highly valuable. This might include working with children and young people in education, early years, residential care or special educational needs settings.

After graduation, future EPs often work with children and young people aged 0–25 in education, health, youth justice, early years or social care settings. Successful applicants to postgraduate training programmes have come from a wide range of professional backgrounds, including teaching, social work, assistant psychology, classroom support, learning mentoring, residential care and early years practice.