Dr Sean Zammit was recently awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Research and Development from the University of Lincoln School of Education, after completing an in-depth study on the interplay and effects of both neo-liberal approaches to education – namely the reimagining of schooling purposes from an economic point of view – and ‘deficit-thinking’ – namely, the practice of holding low expectations for minority students – on the restructuring process of the Maltese educational system. His aim was to present a solid theoretical framework on the concept of inclusive education and to develop a solid platform for action to ensure equitable, socially just and quality education for all students. His study used the pragmatist notion of ‘what works’ – mixing qualitative and quantitative research methods – to uproot the negative effects of neoliberal-deficit-thinking approaches in education.