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The School Leadership Podcast

The School Leadership Podcast

By NAHT, the school leaders' union.

In NAHT's podcast series, you'll hear interviews with some of the leading voices in education covering topics and issues at the heart of leadership and learning.
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Episode 16 - Laura Mcinnerney, Becky Allen and Fiona Millar

The School Leadership PodcastSep 11, 2018

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53:22
What next for the school system?

What next for the school system?

It is more than two decades since academies were first introduced to the English education system, and around half of all state-funded pupils now attend one. Yet, in its new report 20 Years of Muddling Through, think-tank EDSK argues not only that the language around academisation has become too politicised, but that the system itself is unsustainable.

Here, Tom Richmond, EDSK’s founder and director, speaks to NAHT assistant general secretary James Bowen about why he thinks it’s time we leave behind the political baggage and build a coherent, collaborative and transparent system based on the principle of ‘one set of rules for everyone’, allowing teachers and leaders to devote their energy to improving teaching and learning.

Mar 06, 202440:41
Inspiring leadership in 2024
Feb 15, 202418:56
Teacher Wellbeing Index 2023: a snapshot of the sector
Dec 20, 202337:06
Will AI transform education?
Nov 21, 202335:02
Learning with parents
Sep 15, 202331:06
The social model of disability
Aug 11, 202317:46
Inspiring Leadership in 2023
Jul 27, 202328:36
Talking technology: edtech in schools

Talking technology: edtech in schools

How can schools decide what education technology (edtech) to invest in? Has the edtech agenda been overrun by technologists – and if so, how can it be reclaimed? And what about AI? Hear edtech experts discuss these issues and more, along with a new Edtech Leadership Briefing Paper aimed at helping school leaders make informed, data-driven decisions about their ICT investment.

In this episode of the School Leadership Podcast, you'll hear Dave Smith, head of partnerships and events at the British Educational Suppliers Association (BESA), Gavin Hawkins, chair of the board of management at NAACE (the Education Technology Association), and NAHT Life member and edtech consultant David Whyley in conversation with NAHT assistant general secretary James Bowen.

Jun 05, 202340:05
An industrial action special

An industrial action special

In this special episode of the School Leadership Podcast, NAHT general secretary Paul Whiteman talks about the upcoming industrial action ballot and what it means for school leaders.

May 11, 202324:21
Life-friendly leadership
Mar 07, 202335:34
The picture on pay

The picture on pay

NAHT general secretary Paul Whiteman gives his analysis of the current dispute over pay for teachers and school leaders, and explains why the government must act now to resolve the recruitment and retention crisis facing the sector.


In this conversation with NAHT’s director of policy James Bowen, he addresses the impact of strike action, the ongoing negotiation with the education secretary and the role of the teachers’ pay review body.


Feb 10, 202326:10
Talking about transition
Jan 11, 202347:25
Schools and sustainability

Schools and sustainability

How can schools help tackle climate change? Are solar panels, heat pumps and retrofitting realistic solutions – particularly for older school buildings? And what exactly is the government’s plan to help schools reduce their carbon footprint?

NAHT director of policy James Bowen puts school leaders’ key concerns to Sharon McHale, a project director in the Department for Education’s new Sustainability and Climate Change Unit.


Nov 29, 202225:27
A Black History Month special: the anti-racist journey of a Manchester school
Oct 17, 202228:40
Closing the writing gap
Sep 13, 202233:54
Leading on assessment
Aug 02, 202222:17
An Inspiring Leadership special

An Inspiring Leadership special

This episode of NAHT’s School Leadership Podcast brings you conversations with some of the key speakers at Inspiring Leadership Conference 2022, which took place in Birmingham last month. You’ll hear Dave Coplin, Steve Munby, Marie-Claire Bretherton and Ed Balls share honest and through-provoking reflections on what makes a great leader, and much more, in a series of interviews recorded during the conference.

Jul 11, 202226:20
Coaching for the classroom
Jun 29, 202226:48
Making sense of the metrics

Making sense of the metrics

Husham Khan, author of the best-selling book Financial Intelligence for School Business Leaders, speaks to NAHT’s Natalie Arnett about the pressures facing finances in schools, new ways to tackle them and the changing nature of the school business leader (SBL) role – and how the role is vital for dealing with some of the challenges ahead, including soaring energy costs and cybersecurity.


Along with exploring many of the new financial concepts outlined in his book, which schools and trusts can use to enable more informed and effective decision-making, such as the ‘pandemic ratio’, Husham also talks about the importance of considering emotional as well as financial intelligence as part of holistic budget planning in schools.

May 25, 202235:51
In conversation with Ed Balls

In conversation with Ed Balls

Former secretary of state for education and cabinet minister Ed Balls reflects on his experiences of – and views on – leadership in this April 2022 episode of NAHT's School Leadership Podcast. Hear him speak with NAHT director of policy James Bowen about his time as education secretary and his memories of working for Tony Blair and Gordon Brown at pivotal political moments. Ed is a keynote speaker at this year’s Inspiring Leadership Conference, which takes place on 28 and 29 June in Birmingham.


Apr 11, 202222:49
Ventilation in schools
Mar 08, 202234:25
Just Like Us

Just Like Us

As part of LGBT+ History Month in 2022, hear Dominic Arnall, chief executive at LGBT+ young people's charity Just Like Us, in conversation with NAHT’s Natalie Arnett about the role schools play in empowering young people to champion LGBT+ equality, and how the charity can help schools do this.

Plus, there’s more on school mottos – you'll hear from Chilton Primary School in Oxfordshire about their motto and why it was chosen.

For more about Just Like Us, including resources and lesson plans, talks and School Diversity Week, see justlikeus.org.

Feb 08, 202220:49
Talking with Tes

Talking with Tes

In this episode, Tes editor Jon Severs talks to NAHT’s James Bowen about tackling covid guidance, teachers on Twitter and Tes being a voice the profession can trust.

Plus, following on from last month’s episode, we have more on school mottos.

Jan 14, 202228:21
Doing the sums on school funding

Doing the sums on school funding

What does this autumn’s budget really mean for school spending? Will schools be better off in 2022, and beyond? And what will changes in the funding formula mean for head teachers? Luke Sibieta, an economist specialising in education policy at the Institute for Fiscal Studies, answers these questions and more in this conversation with NAHT’s director of policy James Bowen.

Plus: what’s your school’s motto, and why was it chosen? You’ll hear a head teacher talk about her school’s motto and what it means for them, and find out how to get in touch to share – and celebrate – your own school’s motto.


Dec 14, 202131:11
Educating for equality

Educating for equality

In this episode, hear primary head teacher and director of Educating for Equality Sabrina Edwards talk about her work supporting leaders on their journey to embedding anti-racism and gender equality in their schools, and the role schools can play in bringing about long-lasting and sustainable change in the world.

Nov 23, 202122:06
Black History Month: Betty Campbell

Black History Month: Betty Campbell

Geraldine Trotman, Black History Patron for Wales, reflects on the contribution of her lifelong friend, champion of multiculturalism and Wales' first Black head teacher Betty Campbell.

Betty was born in Butetown, Cardiff, in 1934. She qualified as a teacher in the 1960s and later became head teacher at Butetown’s Mount Stuart Primary School, where she made sure her pupils learned about the positive contribution made to British society by people of colour.

Oct 12, 202116:48
An equality, diversity and inclusion special

An equality, diversity and inclusion special

In this episode, you’ll hear conversations that reflect on student and staff experiences of discrimination and explore how school leaders can take steps to understand and promote the equalities agenda in their schools. Michelle De Leon, founder and CEO of World Afro Day, talks to NAHT’s Natalie Arnett about why she set up the Big Hair Assembly and how schools can get involved, before Iona Jackson, head of research at Edurio, outlines the key findings of a survey looking at the experiences of 16,500 school staff members around equality, diversity and inclusion.

Sep 03, 202144:59
A head teacher’s diary: leading a school through the pandemic

A head teacher’s diary: leading a school through the pandemic

In March 2020, head teacher Alan Garnett decided to start a weekly column for a local paper chronicling the experiences of his school community as it responded to the pandemic. He ended up writing the diary for a whole year, and his articles have now been turned into a book, A Headteacher's Diary: Making it up as we go Along – Trying to lead a school through a pandemic.

Here, Alan shares some of his observations – talking honestly about how stressful it was reacting to last-minute announcements, and explaining why he wanted to tell the stories of “remarkable people doing remarkable things”, as they did in so many school communities across the country.


Jul 30, 202115:11
The science of learning
Jul 06, 202139:56
Speech and language therapy in covid times
Jun 14, 202137:34
Swimming and schools with Olympic medalist Steve Parry
May 04, 202123:06
Football Beyond Borders

Football Beyond Borders

Football Beyond Borders is an education and social inclusion charity which transforms the outcomes for disadvantaged young people who are passionate about football but disengaged at school. In this episode, James Bowen speaks to co-founder and director, Jack Reynolds about the work the charity is doing with supporting young people’s academic and social and emotional learning as they transition to adulthood.

Apr 12, 202122:17
Mental health, well-being and school leadership: tips and tools in covid times

Mental health, well-being and school leadership: tips and tools in covid times

After a year that has seen school leaders “carrying the community” as they steer schools through the pandemic, Sinéad Mc Brearty, CEO of Education Support, speaks with NAHT’s James Bowen about the importance of compassion, connection and showing up in your best shape. Education Support is a UK charity dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of education staff.


Mar 10, 202146:47
Championing equality, diversity and inclusion in schools

Championing equality, diversity and inclusion in schools

Closing gaps, inclusivity and redressing imbalance wherever it may be is at the very core of the Global Equality Collective (GEC). Co-CEO and founder of the GEC, Nic Ponsford talks to James Bowen about the new GEC app which helps organisations track, monitor and embed diversity and inclusion into their day-to-day practices and behaviours. Nic discusses the core functions of the app and the work being done in schools to champion equality and inclusion.

Feb 10, 202128:34
From little acorns mighty oak trees grow

From little acorns mighty oak trees grow

Oak National Academy is the online classroom made for teachers by teachers. Created in April 2020 as a rapid response to the coronavirus outbreak, Oak Academy offers pre-recorded video lessons as well as quizzes, worksheets and creative activities to support remote learning. In this episode, principal at Oak National Academy, Matt Hood talks about how the online classroom came about, the important role remote learning has played throughout this year and considers what remote learning might look like post-pandemic.

Dec 08, 202033:59
Lockdown, learning and the great outdoors

Lockdown, learning and the great outdoors

One of the unavoidable effects of the pandemic has meant that we have been forced to almost renegotiate our relationship with outdoor spaces. For leaders, it's meant careful management of school grounds and for some children outside of school, lockdowns have resulted in a new dynamic where access to the great outdoors has either been severely limited or denied altogether. 

Jim Whittaker, chair of the Association of Heads of Outdoor Education Centres, talks to James Bowen about health, well-being, learning and the importance of outdoor spaces. 

Nov 19, 202019:38
What does effective remote learning look like?

What does effective remote learning look like?

When the national lockdown took place earlier this year, many schools quickly turned to technology to bridge the gap and continue learning outside of the school gates. In this episode, director of NAHT policy, James Bowen speaks to author, public speaker and managing director of NetSupport, Al Kingsley about the future of technology to support learning. We also consider the challenges blended and remote learning can cause, including addressing the digital divide and ensuring students are safe online.  


Oct 21, 202034:05
Reducing academic anxiety and supporting young people’s mental health

Reducing academic anxiety and supporting young people’s mental health

Campaigner, activist and speaker; Natasha Devon MBE talks to James Bowen about the relationship between exam stress and mental health in children and young people. Natasha also talks about the impact the pandemic and lockdown have had on young people’s anxiety levels.

Sep 15, 202029:52
Planning for a full return to school this September – James Bowen answers your FAQs

Planning for a full return to school this September – James Bowen answers your FAQs

The past few months have been a rapidly changing picture for schools which hasn’t always been easy to interpret and then act on. It’s been our aim all along to bring as much clarity to school leaders as possible. In this month’s podcast episode, director of policy and NAHT Edge, James Bowen answers your most frequently asked questions about planning for a full return to school this September.

Jul 27, 202025:25
Schools and covid-19: your questions answered with Dr Matt Butler

Schools and covid-19: your questions answered with Dr Matt Butler

How can we minimise infection in schools and in the wider community? How can we protect the most at-risk groups? Should staff be wearing PPE? How often should surfaces be wiped down in classrooms?

Dr Matt Butler answers your most pressing questions about the covid-19 pandemic and outlines some practical steps you can take to keep staff and children safe.

Jun 16, 202042:29
Technology in the classroom: a tool for learning or an enormous distraction?

Technology in the classroom: a tool for learning or an enormous distraction?

In this episode, NAHT head of policy James Bowen talks to education author and former teacher Daisy Christodoulou about technology in schools.

We consider what the next big ed-tech development is likely to be, whether we should ban mobile devices in schools and why ed-tech hasn’t yet had the transformative impact on education that it has long promised.

Mar 03, 202052:38
Episode 28 - Social mobility with Professor Sonia Blandford

Episode 28 - Social mobility with Professor Sonia Blandford

Professor Sonia Blandford is one of the country's foremost experts on improving the education and aspirations of children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

She is the founder and CEO of the award winning educational charity Achievement for All, which provides programmes to improve outcomes for children and young people aged two to 19 years. She is also a visiting professor of education and social enterprise at UCL Institute of Education and the author of numerous books on education.

Edge Director, James Bowen spent some time with Sonia to see if it's possible to change attitudes and outcomes around this perennial challenge.
Jan 15, 202030:51
Episode 27 - Reconsidering resilience and its role in school leadership.

Episode 27 - Reconsidering resilience and its role in school leadership.

We hear from Andy Wolfe, deputy chief education officer for the Church of England, about why it’s time to rethink resilience and what it means for school leaders. Andy oversees leadership development through the Church of England Foundation for Educational Leadership.
Dec 13, 201921:47
Episode 26 - What can we expect from the new inspection framework? (Part 2)
Nov 28, 201932:00
Episode 25 - ‘What can we expect from the new inspection framework?’

Episode 25 - ‘What can we expect from the new inspection framework?’

Deep dives and cultural capital. Ofsted is always an intense talking point and both this and next month, the School Leadership Podcast will keep you fully up to speed with what's expected and any new protocols.

Earlier this term we saw the launch of an entirely new inspection framework and NAHT members have already begun to experience these new style inspections.
Already we have seen teachers and school leaders taking to social media to share their early experiences and debate some of the phrases being used within the lexicon of inspection.

Our Director of Policy James Bowen met with Ofsted’s deputy director for schools, Matthew Purves and goes further into what you can expect from this latest framework.
Oct 15, 201940:19
Episode 24 - Graham Frost and Lord Redesdale

Episode 24 - Graham Frost and Lord Redesdale

This month, we’re talking about climate change and how schools are supporting their pupils to take an active interest in one of the most pressing issues facing the world today.

Our guests are a Headteacher and NAHT member whose school has already started taking action to reduce its own carbon footprint, and from a member of the house of lords who is leading a campaign encouraging schools and pupils to pledge to take their own action to tackle climate change.
Sep 16, 201921:02
Episode 23 - The Difference

Episode 23 - The Difference

School exclusions is an issue right at the top of the government’s agenda currently, and it’s no wonder why. After a period of steady decline in the number of pupils being excluded from school, in recent years we have begun to see a worrying reversal in that trend.

The government’s own data suggests the rate of exclusions is rising to almost 7,000 a year in England, the equivalent of more than 35 permanent exclusions every school day.

Rising rates of exclusion not only have a significant impact on the individuals and schools concerned, but it also has a long-term impact on society too.

Research has shown that every cohort of permanently excluded pupils will go on to cost the state an extra £2.1billion in education, health, benefits and criminal justice costs.

A new education charity, The Difference, founded by former teacher Kiran Gill is determined to do something about this alarming trend.

Through their 2 year ‘Difference Leader’ programme, the charity offers existing leaders in mainstream schools the opportunity to work for two years in an Alternative Provision setting. Throughout the programme leaders benefit not only from gaining experience in AP but also from an intensive accredited training programme.
Their hope is that some of this new community of leaders will then return to mainstream schools so that they can share and cascade their knowledge with the ultimate aim of reducing school exclusion.

Our Director of Policy and NAHT Edge Director, James Bowen, meets with Kiran and her colleague Shaun Brown to find out more about the charity’s work and the impact it has.
Jul 16, 201923:35
Episode 22 - Winston's Wish

Episode 22 - Winston's Wish

We discuss a difficult, but vitally important topic – childhood bereavement.

Shockingly, around 1 in 29 children will be bereaved of a parent or sibling during their time at school and of course many more will experience bereavement of other family members or friends.
Yet, if you’re like most other teachers and school leaders, you have probably received very little, if any, training on this sensitive topic.
Our guest this month is Emma Muirhead from the charity Winston’s Wish.
May 26, 201933:13
Episode 21 - David Weston : Attaining the highest quality CPD in schools

Episode 21 - David Weston : Attaining the highest quality CPD in schools

How effective is the professional development in your school?

Are you confident that the CPD your teachers are engaging in is having a positive impact on outcomes for pupils?

In this episode we talk about the professional learning of teachers, and consider what school leaders can do to ensure that CPD in their school is of the highest quality.

David Weston is the founder and Chief Executive of the Teacher Development Trust and one of the authors of ‘Unleashing Great Teaching’ – a new book that shines a light on the secrets of effective teacher development.
May 04, 201932:39
Episode 20 - H is for Harry - Edward Owles, Jamie Taylor and Ed Vainker

Episode 20 - H is for Harry - Edward Owles, Jamie Taylor and Ed Vainker

As a profession, we've become accustomed to seeing school leaders, teachers and pupils becoming unexpected stars of the small screen. Documentaries like Educating Essex and Educating Manchester have proven to be unexpected ratings winners and have given viewers an insight into modern-day schooling along the way.

You'll get to hear about one particular school community in London that may just be about to find itself becoming the star of the big screen, as we speak to the makers of a new film, ‘H is for Harry’.

H is for Harry is a coming of age story about Harry, a charismatic 11-year old boy who arrives at secondary school in suburban London unable to read or write. With the help of Sophie, his extremely dedicated teacher, and the unfailing support of his father, he struggles to overcome the illiteracy ingrained across generations of his family.

James Bowen, Edge Director, has an enlightening conversation with the film's co Directors and the Headteacher of the school where the film was made.
Mar 04, 201932:07