Teachers Talk Radio

Luke Attridge, Head of Drama and doctoral researcher, joins Darren to discuss the place of arts generally (and drama specifically) in both schools and society.

In this show, we dive deep into the complexities of school culture with headteacher and education researcher Dr John Morris. Drawing on his doctoral work and real-world leadership experience, John explores what “culture” really means in schools beyond slogans and quick fixes. Together with host Tony Harwood, the discussion ranges from leadership blind spots and subcultures within staff teams to the unintended messages sent by architecture, uniforms, and even where the head parks their car. John also reflects on why staff rooms matter, the role of trust in behaviour, and how to avoid reducing culture to a single buzzword.

Joining Liz and Kate on the show is lecturer and director, Tim Seyfert, who eloquently shares his passion projects outside of the classroom, advocating the importance of a healthy work-life balance and how to achieve this alongside the everyday demands of teaching. Interweaved with the usual anecdotes, honesty and humour, enjoy “Teachers in the Wild”.

How can schools move beyond one-off eco-lessons and genuinely embed sustainability in the heart of their curriculum and culture? In this episode, Caroline Hall and Adam Sumner join us to explore how primary schools can empower pupils to think critically about their role in the world—without overwhelming them. From tackling the common barriers to making sustainability part of everyday teaching, to building a meaningful journey through the curriculum, we discuss how schools can foster collective responsibility and pupil agency. We cover questions such as: • Why is now the moment to prioritise sustainability in schools? • How can we make space for this in an already packed curriculum? • What does it look like to embed sustainability across all subjects—not just as a ‘bolt-on’? • How do we avoid fear-based approaches and instead inspire hope and action? Whether you’re a classroom teacher, school leader or curriculum designer, this episode offers practical insights, reflective questions and plenty of inspiration for cultivating a culture of sustainability in your school. Brought to you with Kapow Primary - Visit them at KapowPrimary.com

Social mobility commissioner Alun Francis OBE sits down with Tom Rogers to discuss disadvantage, poverty and the SEND crisis in the UK. In a far ranging interview, they discuss London vs the rest of the UK when it comes to achievement and the reasons for the differences as well as trauma informed practice in schools. 

Dave talks to William Wadsworth and Dale Banham about the research behind effective revision and how it can be best utilised to improve student attainment. 

With student numbers reportedly falling and concerns mounting over subject visibility, this Teachers Talk Radio show explores the current state of Sociology in secondary and post-16 education and it's incredible hidden value. Host Tom Rogers is joined by guests Sunny Gunessee and Tom Genillard to discuss the headline data on student uptake, the role of careers guidance in shaping perceptions, and how schools can reposition the subject for today’s learners. Together, they explore how sixth forms, colleges, and universities can collaborate to close the gap, the steps OCR Exams are taking to make qualifications more inclusive, and the impact that declining school provision has on teacher recruitment and subject expertise. We’ll also hear insights from the JCoSS Present…Sound Sociology podcast, including real-world case studies of students using sociology in diverse career paths—from education and healthcare to media and policy. Finally, the show considers the value of sociology for meeting Ofsted expectations and Gatsby benchmarks, and offers practical advice for schools looking to boost engagement at open evenings. Produced in partnership with OCR Sociology - Visit them at ocr.org.uk

Ben is joined by Professor Becky Allen to discuss all things AI in schools. 

In this one off show, we speak to Estonia’s Minister of Education, Kristina Kallas, to find out what’s behind the country’s reputation for having one of the best education systems in Europe. We explore how teachers are trained, paid, and supported in Estonia — and how that compares to the UK. From classroom teaching methods and SEND provision to workload, behaviour, and the role of support staff, this is a chance to hear what works elsewhere and why. We also dig into Estonia’s approach to curriculum, technology, and assessment. What’s their policy on mobile phones? How do they use AI? And what role do national tests play? Finally, we ask: what could the UK take from Estonia’s model — and are there any elements of the UK system that Estonia is watching closely?

Join Michelle Hinds and her inspiring guests. Rohima Miah, Lucy Warren, Tamara Akotuah, and Ewan Goddard for a powerful reflection on the Authentic Leadership series. In this lively and honest conversation, they peel back the layers of leadership, diving deep into the courage it takes to be vulnerable, the importance of accountability, and the reality that true leaders are always growing, learning, and evolving. If you’re ready for real talk on what it means to lead authentically, this episode is a must-listen!