School Podcast

Former National Schools Commissioner Sir David Carter joins The School Podcast to unpack over 40 years in education, what academies got right and wrong, how to build a culture that’s lived not laminated, and why supporting SEND and underserved pupils should drive every decision.Key Takeaways:• How academies changed pace, autonomy and accountability• Leadership mistakes to avoid such as bloated middle tiers• Behaviour that works: exclusion as a last resort, catch them doing good, visible SLT• How to engage late or non attending pupils with empathy• Why alumni networks and vocational pathways matter• Balancing work and life for long term retention• The one system fix Sir David would make: properly resource SENDSponsors:Edurio - Gadget Line - Dreams to Reality - Access Education#DavidCarter  #SchoolPodcast #CameronParker

In this episode of The School Podcast, host Cameron Parker sits down with Nadine Bernard — headteacher, mother of three, founder & CEO of Aspiring Heads, and author of Your Leadership Matters: Empowering Those from the Global Majority and Allies.Together, they dive deep into:✅ Balancing leadership, motherhood, and well-being✅ The story behind founding Aspiring Heads and supporting future Black leaders✅ Overcoming adversity and discrimination in education✅ Why nurture doesn’t mean lowering standards✅ Building schools rooted in empathy, high expectations, and community✅ The importance of representation, confidence, and self-care💬 “My value is not defined by what others say about me.” – Nadine BernardThank you to our sponsors: Edurio - Access Education - Gadget Line Films - Dreams 2 Reality 🎧 Listen to The School Podcast on Spotify & Apple Podcasts . #NadineBernard #cameronparker #schoolpodcast

Omar Al Hashimi, a senior lecturer at the University of West London and an expert in immersive technologies and AI in education, dives into how AI is reshaping learning environments. He discusses ethical vs. unethical uses of AI, emphasizing its role as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for teachers. Omar also highlights the challenges of adopting technology in classrooms and the importance of balancing digital skills with human interactions. He urges educators to embrace AI and adapt their teaching methods to better prepare students for the future.

In this powerful episode, Cameron Parker sits down with Katharine Birbalsingh, often described as Britain’s Strictest Headteacher, for one of the most honest and inspiring conversations you’ll ever hear about education.They discuss:💬 Why fatherhood matters more than ever🏫 Why Ofsted should never be the goal🔥 Why teaching is our duty, not just a job⚔️ Why we must go to war for our children🎓 The importance of uniform and school culture👑 The role of leadership in shaping young lives🗣️ How Katharine handles criticism and stays true to her mission… and so much more.Katharine's insight and conviction will challenge everything you think you know about schools, leadership, and what young people truly need to thrive.This is more than an interview — it’s a masterclass in purpose, discipline, and hope.Thank you to our sponsors:Edurio - Access Education - Gadget Line Films - Dreams 2 Reality🎧 Listen to The School Podcast on Spotify & Apple Podcasts#Education #KatharineBirbalsingh #SchoolPodcast #CameronParker

🎙️ Welcome to Sunday School — with Cameron ParkerThis is a special edition of The School Podcast, where Cameron shares his latest stories, lessons, and insights from working in schools every single day.Expect real talk about education, mindset, motivation, leadership, and everything in between — straight from the front line of UK schools.No scripts. No theory. Just honest reflections, practical takeaways, and stories that remind us why this work matters.#cameronparker #sundayschool #schoolpodcast

This is one of the hardest and most powerful conversations we’ve ever had on The School Podcast.In this episode, we hear the heartbreaking story of a father who lost her son to knife crime — a tragedy that started from something as simple as a Snapchat post.We explore the dangerous link between social media, youth culture, and violence, and what schools, parents, and communities can do to protect young people before it’s too late.This is not just a story about loss — it’s a call for change.🎙️ The School Podcast — Real conversations. Real schools. Real impact.💭 Watch, share, and help raise awareness.#KnifeCrime #TheSchoolPodcast #YouthViolence #SocialMedia #Parenting #Education

In this engaging conversation, Sam Strickland, headteacher and author of 'Education Exposed', dives into the shortcomings of the popular 3 C's approach to behavior management in schools. He challenges the sustainability of multi-warning systems, advocates for a simpler single behavior point system, and emphasizes the importance of training students on expectations. Strickland also discusses the balance between supporting students' needs and maintaining classroom structure, offering practical insights for effective leadership in education.

In this powerful episode, Cameron Parker sits down with Sally Apps, Deputy CEO of Cabot Learning Federation, to explore one of the most important leadership principles in education — High Standards, High Support.Sally shares her insight on what it really means to hold both staff and students to high expectations while creating a culture of care, trust, and accountability. From leadership development to classroom consistency, this episode is packed with wisdom for anyone leading a school or trust in 2025.Whether you're a headteacher, middle leader, or classroom teacher, this conversation will challenge your thinking and inspire you to raise the bar without burning out your team.Thank you to our sponsors Edurio and Gadgetline for the continued support!#schoolpodcast #education #cameronparker

Iona Jackson, Managing Director at Edurio, discusses the crucial role of stakeholder feedback in transforming schools and trusts. She highlights why listening to staff, pupils, and parents is essential for real improvement and effective decision-making. Iona elaborates on the benefits of regular surveys, sharing practical steps for turning feedback into actionable change. She also addresses challenges like funding and emphasizes the importance of equality and inclusion in education. With over 2,000 schools using Edurio, Iona's insights are invaluable for school leaders seeking impact.

In this powerful live episode, Cameron Parker sits down with renowned education leader Andy Buck at the Education Forum Event to dive deep into the foundations of school success — trust, teaching, and transformation.With decades of leadership experience and a passion for raising standards in education, Andy shares real, actionable insights on:✅ Building authentic trust across school communities✅ Supporting and challenging staff to grow professionally✅ Leading with clarity and purpose in challenging times✅ Transforming outcomes for pupils – especially those who need it mostWhether you’re a school leader, teacher, or someone passionate about impact in education, this conversation is filled with inspiration and practical wisdom.💥 Don’t miss it — hit subscribe, leave a comment, and share with your team.#AndyBuck #CameronParker #SchoolPodcast