​​Dr Scott Caizley is a researcher, policy leader and higher education practitioner working to expand access, participation and social mobility across education, culture and the creative industries.

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Raised on a council estate in Leeds and educated in state schools, Scott's career has been shaped by a commitment to challenging the structural inequalities that continue to shape who gets to participate, progress and succeed. Originally trained in classical piano performance and composition at leading UK conservatoires, Scott later moved into research and public policy to better understand the systems that shape educational and cultural opportunity. He holds a First Class Honours degree from UCL, an MPhil from the University of Cambridge, and a PhD from King's College London as a UKRI Economic and Social Research Council Scholar.

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His research has focused on widening participation, social mobility and inequality in higher education and the arts. His doctoral work examining the experiences of working-class and state-schooled students in UK conservatoires was among the first studies to centre lived experience within this highly selective part of the higher education sector. Since then, his work has informed policy development, parliamentary inquiries, government briefings, charitable foundations and cultural organisations in the UK and internationally. Scott is recognised as one of the leading voices working at the intersection of social mobility, arts education and higher education policy. His research and commentary have been featured by the BBC, The Guardian, The Times, Spectator and Classic FM, contributing to national debate about inequality, access and opportunity within education and the cultural sector.

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Alongside his academic work, Scott has built a career translating research into policy and practice. As the former Lead Policy Officer for Education, Culture and Skills for the City of London, he worked with senior leaders across government, education, business and the cultural sector to develop policy and strategy designed to improve educational outcomes, strengthen pathways into employment and expand access to cultural opportunity.

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Today, Scott serves as the first full-time Head of Widening Participation at the Royal Academy of Music, one of the world's leading conservatoires and the UK's oldest. His appointment reflects a growing recognition across the higher education and cultural sectors that widening participation requires sustained institutional leadership, evidence-informed strategy and long-term investment.

​​Beyond his institutional roles, Scott serves as an Ambassador for the Foundation for Education Development, and adviser to organisations across the higher education, public, charitable and cultural sectors. His work regularly brings together universities, policymakers, funders, employers and communities to develop practical solutions to longstanding challenges around access and opportunity. In 2026, Scott was awarded the Freedom of the City of London in recognition of his contribution to education, social mobility and public service.​ Across research, policy and practice, his work is driven by a simple principle: talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. Through collaboration, evidence and leadership, he works to build systems that allow more people to access, participate in and shape education, culture and the creative industries.