Hazel Shearing: The BBC Education Correspondent Shaping the UK’s Schools and Universities Debate
In an era where education policy sits at the heart of social mobility, economic growth, and political debate, journalists play a crucial role in explaining complex changes to the public. One of the most recognisable voices in this space today is Hazel Shearing, a respected British journalist whose reporting has helped audiences across the UK understand how decisions made in Westminster affect classrooms, universities, teachers, parents, and students.
As the BBC’s Education Correspondent, Hazel Shearing has built a reputation for calm, accurate, and human-centred journalism. Her work combines policy analysis with real-world impact, ensuring education stories are not reduced to statistics but grounded in lived experience. This article explores her career, background, estimated age, and influence as a leading figure in UK education reporting.
Who Is Hazel Shearing?
Hazel Shearing is a UK-based journalist currently working as BBC Education Correspondent at BBC News. In this role, she covers a wide range of education-related topics, including schools policy, university funding, student finance, exams, teacher workforce issues, and the broader social implications of education reform.
She is known for translating complex policy developments into clear reporting that is accessible to a general audience while still maintaining journalistic depth and credibility. Her work regularly features on BBC News platforms and is widely cited across the UK media landscape.
Hazel Shearing BBC Career Journey
Early Career in Journalism
Hazel Shearing’s professional journalism career began soon after completing her university education. One of her earliest high-profile roles was at The Sunday Times, where she worked as a reporter for several years. During this period, she developed strong investigative and news-gathering skills, covering national stories and learning the demands of a fast-paced newsroom.
This early experience laid the foundation for her later work in digital journalism and broadcast-focused reporting.
Time at BuzzFeed News
Following her work at The Sunday Times, Hazel joined BuzzFeed News, where she took on roles including breaking news reporter and lead curation editor. At BuzzFeed, she worked in a digital-first environment, sharpening her ability to respond quickly to developing stories while maintaining accuracy and editorial judgement.
Her time at BuzzFeed News helped her adapt to modern news consumption habits and strengthened her experience in online journalism, audience engagement, and real-time reporting.
Joining BBC News
Hazel Shearing joined BBC News in 2019 as a journalist working on UK online news. Her strong performance and growing expertise in education reporting led to her appointment as Education Correspondent in November 2021.
Since then, she has become one of the BBC’s leading voices on education matters, frequently appearing across BBC platforms and contributing to in-depth coverage of major policy changes.
Hazel Shearing Education Correspondent Role
Scope of Her Reporting
As BBC Education Correspondent, Hazel Shearing covers:
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UK government education policy
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Schools funding and accountability
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Teacher recruitment and retention
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University tuition fees and student loans
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Exam reforms and curriculum changes
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The social impact of education inequality
Her reporting often highlights how national decisions affect individuals, ensuring students, parents, and educators are represented alongside official statements.
Editorial Style and Strengths
Hazel’s journalism is widely recognised for its clarity and balance. She avoids sensationalism and focuses on evidence-based reporting, expert commentary, and first-hand accounts. This approach has made her a trusted source for audiences seeking reliable information on education in the UK.
Hazel Shearing Education Background
She studied History at the University of Cambridge, where she completed her bachelor’s degree between 2012 and 2015, graduating with a 2:1 classification.
A history degree from Cambridge is widely regarded as academically rigorous, requiring strong analytical skills, critical thinking, and the ability to interpret complex information. These skills are clearly reflected in her journalism, particularly when analysing policy documents, government data, and long-term trends in education.
Her academic background has contributed to her ability to place education reforms within a broader social and historical context, a key strength of her reporting.
Hazel Shearing Age
Hazel Shearing has not publicly disclosed her exact age or date of birth. Like many professional journalists, she keeps her personal life private and focuses public attention on her work.
Estimated Age Based on Education Timeline
However, based on publicly available information, a reasonable estimate can be made:
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She began university in 2012
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Most UK students start undergraduate study at 18 or 19
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This suggests a birth year around 1993 or 1994
Based on this typical academic pathway, Hazel Shearing’s estimated age in 2026 is approximately 31 to 33 years old. This estimate should be understood as approximate, not definitive.
Hazel Shearing BBC Presence and Public Profile
Social Media Use
She maintains a professional presence on social media platforms, where she shares reporting updates, education news, and insights into her work as a correspondent. Her accounts reinforce her role as a journalist rather than a public personality, reflecting her commitment to professional integrity.
Location and Reporting Base
She is currently based in Leeds, reflecting the BBC’s commitment to regional journalism beyond London. Her reporting often involves travel across the UK, engaging directly with schools, universities, and communities affected by education policy.
Why Hazel Shearing Matters in UK Journalism
Trusted Voice in a Complex Policy Area
Education is one of the most sensitive and impactful areas of public policy. Hazel’s reporting helps ensure these issues are explained accurately and responsibly, supporting informed public debate.
Impact on Public Understanding
By focusing on both policy and people, she bridges the gap between government decisions and everyday experience. This approach strengthens public trust and ensures education journalism remains relevant and human-centred.
Role Model for Modern Journalists
Hazel Shearing’s career reflects the evolving nature of journalism in the UK, combining traditional reporting values with digital skills and subject-matter expertise. Her progression from print to digital to broadcast journalism demonstrates adaptability and professionalism.
Hazel Shearing BBC Journalist: Professional Integrity and Future Influence
As education continues to evolve amid economic pressures, political change, and social inequality, the role of an education correspondent will only grow in importance. Hazel is well positioned to remain a key figure in this space, shaping how education stories are reported and understood across the UK.
Her background, experience, and measured reporting style suggest a long and influential career ahead in British journalism.
Conclusion
Hazel Shearing is a respected BBC Education Correspondent whose work plays a vital role in explaining education policy to the UK public. With a strong academic background, experience across major news organisations, and a commitment to accurate, people-focused reporting, she has become a trusted voice in one of the country’s most important policy areas.
As education debates continue to shape the future of the UK, Hazel Shearing’s journalism will remain central to how those stories are told and understood.
FAQs
How old is Hazel Shearing?
Hazel Shearing has not publicly disclosed her exact age. However, based on her university education timeline (starting at the University of Cambridge in 2012), her estimated age is between 31 and 33 years as of 2026. This is an approximation using typical UK academic pathways.
Is Hazel Shearing an education correspondent?
Yes. Hazel Shearing is the Education Correspondent at BBC News. She has held this role since November 2021, reporting on UK education policy, schools, universities, student finance, exams, and related social issues.
Does Hazel Shearing work for the BBC?
Yes. Hazel Shearing works for BBC News, where she has been employed since 2019. She started as a UK online journalist and was later promoted to BBC Education Correspondent, a senior specialist reporting role within the organisation.
