Shows
The We Lead Well PodcastResilience Redefined: Balancing Leadership and Well-beingIn this episode of the We Lead Well podcast, we explore the importance of understanding not just the skills needed in leadership, but also the essence of being a resilient leader. Joined by Jacqui Frost, we delve into the pressures often felt by headteachers and school leaders, focusing on the personal well-being and self-awareness required to lead effectively.
Jacqui shares her personal story about the dangers of equating resilience with simply 'pushing through' stress, detailing her own journey of overcoming burnout by realising the necessity of balancing professional duties with self-care. Together, we discuss leadership programmes designed...2025-05-2549 minThe We Lead Well PodcastBridging Leadership Gaps with Audrey PantelisIn this latest episode of the We Lead Well podcast, I engaged in a thought-provoking discussion with Audrey Pantelis, ex-headteacher and founder of Elevation Coaching and Consulting. The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities in educational leadership, focusing on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the importance of creating coaching communities within schools.
In this conversation, we explore the distinction between kind and direct leadership, and discover the characteristics of resilient leaders, learn how the geopolitical climate is impacting DEI efforts in education and why ongoing professional development is crucial for aspiring school leaders. This episode...2025-04-211h 06The We Lead Well PodcastResilience in Education: Krissi Carter's JourneyIn this episode of the We Lead Well podcast, I chatted with Krissi Carter, a former headteacher who shares her inspirational story of overcoming mental health challenges. Krissi discusses her experiences with complex PTSD and the journey she undertook to regain her mental fitness, utilising mindfulness, journalling, and the Positive Intelligence programme.
Krissi's story highlights the pressures faced by educators and the critical need for mental health support and training in schools. She emphasises the importance of pastoral care, mental fitness, and creating a supportive school culture where both staff and students feel valued and understood.
2025-03-171h 18The We Lead Well PodcastInnovative Leadership and Well-being in Schools: Insights from Paddy RussellFor this episode, I interviewed Paddy Russell, the headteacher of Ladybridge High School in Bolton. Paddy shares his passion for innovative education and staff well-being, discussing how his school has embraced co-construction in developing leadership programmes beyond the NPQ.
Discover the unique approaches Ladybridge High has implemented, such as project-based learning and an inclusive use of their school farm to enhance the curriculum. Paddy delves into the importance of fostering a culture in which staff and students can learn together, emphasising autonomy, reflection, and the balance between traditional and modern educational practices.
Learn how Ladybridge’s...2025-02-171h 17The We Lead Well PodcastTransforming Education with Eli Jones: A Curriculum RevolutionIn this enlightening episode of We Lead Well, we explore the innovative changes happening in middle schools with Eli Jones, the Director of Academic Innovation at Burris Laboratory School. Eli shares his revolutionary approach to curriculum redesign, where traditional teaching boundaries are expanded to meet the individual interests and needs of each student.
Discover how Eli is transforming the educational landscape by prioritising student engagement, individualised learning experiences, and real-world applications. Learn about the impact of these unconventional methods on student performance, well-being, and future readiness, as Eli discusses measurable improvements in test scores and student growth.2025-01-131h 07The We Lead Well PodcastUnlocking Leadership Potential: A Deep Dive into School Improvement with Ben WhiteIn this episode of the We Lead Well podcast, I talk to Ben White, the Director of School Improvement for Life Multi-Academy Trusts in Leicestershire. Ben shares his experiences in supporting leaders and headteachers across a diverse group of secondary and primary schools, focusing on enhancing teaching and learning environments.
We discussed the significance of developing a holistic leadership approach through programs like Resilient Leaders Elements and the challenges and benefits of creating a culture rooted in clear values and expectations. We talk about the complexities of aligning school policies with a school's unique culture and how...2024-11-291h 17The We Lead Well PodcastResilience in Education: Improving wellbeing in SchoolsWelcome to the latest episode of the We Lead Well podcast in which we explore the critical connection between well-being and effective leadership in schools. In this episode, we delve into the topic of resilience in education with special guest Dr. Steph Ainsworth, an expert in teacher resilience research.
Discover the insights from Dr. Ainsworth's extensive research, highlighting the importance of creating supportive environments in schools to enhance resilience among teachers and staff. Learn how environmental factors often outweigh individual predictors in fostering resilience and how school culture plays a pivotal role in teacher well-being.
...2024-10-281h 06The We Lead Well PodcastCelebrating 100 Episodes with Leadership Insights from Michael SonbertWelcome to the 100th episode of the We Lead Well podcast, on which we're joined by special guest Michael Sonbert. Michael is a bestselling author, speaker, performance coach, and founder and CEO of Skyrocket Education and Rebel Culture. In this celebratory episode, Michael shares his journey from teaching to global educational reform and leadership transformation.
We delve into the importance of effective coaching, building a strong school culture, and the role of leaders in creating environments conducive to success. Michael emphasises the significance of clear communication, accountability, and the distinction between support and true coaching. He also...2024-10-041h 19The We Lead Well PodcastEquity in Education with Lee Elliot MajorWelcome to the We Lead Well podcast! In this episode, we are thrilled to that Lee Elliot Major, the UK's first Professor of Social Mobility, was able to join us for an insightful and inspirational conversation. Lee discusses his latest book, "Equity in Education," and delves into critical issues surrounding educational inequalities, unconscious biases, and the language we use to describe children from under-resourced backgrounds.
Lee shares his thoughts on the importance of early years interventions, the impact of cultural capital, and the challenges faced by children from different socio-economic backgrounds. He also offers practical advice for...2024-09-201h 00The We Lead Well PodcastKevin Holland: Transformative CoachingIn this episode of the We Lead Well podcast, we welcome Kevin Holland, CEO of Global Spirit Ed, to discuss the transformative power of coaching in education. Kevin shares his extensive journey from being a PE teacher to leading a community interest company that works with schools globally. In our conversation, we explore the impact of coaching on school culture, teacher development, and pupil/student well-being, highlighting successful case studies and practical strategies for implementation. This insightful conversation explores the importance of reflective practice, intrinsic motivation, and creating a supportive environment for both staff and students.
Listen...2024-09-061h 16The We Lead Well PodcastShelley Baker: Empowering Female LeadershipWelcome to the latest episode of the We Lead Well podcast, in which I'm joined by Shelley Baker, the head teacher at Varndean School in Brighton. This episode is packed with insights on enhancing well-being and leadership within schools; Shelley shares her career journey, the importance of creating a vibrant school culture, and the unique small school system at Varndean School. She also discusses the challenges and strategies for managing the demanding role of a head teacher while maintaining personal well-being.
The conversation delves into the crucial need for more female head teachers and how to support...2024-08-1059 minThe We Lead Well PodcastNeil Jurd - Leadership is Still Easy!This episode of the podcast delves into the importance of building strong relationships in educational organisations to foster a positive culture and enhance leadership effectiveness.
Reflecting on my journey from teaching to coaching, I share insights on how a supportive network can prevent burnout and help female school leaders achieve their aspirations. Discover the power of the Women Lead Well coaching network, offering free membership to support female leaders in education.
Today, we welcome back Neil Jurd, a leadership expert and founder of Leader Connect. Neil shares his wisdom on how leadership can be made...2024-07-061h 08The We Lead Well PodcastDr Kulvan Atwal - Embracing Innovative Leadership in EducationWelcome to the latest episode of the We Lead Well podcast. In partnership with Progressive Masculinity and HeadTeacherChat.com, this episode offers invaluable insights for school leaders in a compelling interview with Dr. Kulvan Atwal, the head teacher of two innovative schools in London.
Dr. Atwal discusses his unique and successful approaches to leadership that prioritise staff well-being and professional development. Learn how investing in staff can reduce sickness rates, supply budgets, and recruitment costs while fostering a positive and productive school environment.
Don't miss this enlightening conversation that could inspire you to lead in n...2024-06-131h 28The We Lead Well PodcastYasmin Arrif - Harnessing the Power of Coaching in EducationIn this insightful episode of the 'We Lead Well' podcast, I talked with Yasmin Arif, a former teacher and school leader turned coach, recounting her journey from burnout to empowering school leaders.
The episode takes a deep dive into the challenges faced by school leaders and how effective coaching can be instrumental in overcoming them. It underscores the need for transitioning from mere instructive approaches towards empowering a thinking environment within schools focusing on the work of author Nancy Klein in promoting effective thinking environments in schools.
As the episode progresses, it lays emphasis on th...2024-04-3059 minThe We Lead Well PodcastBukky Yusuf: Navigating Change - Practical Advice for Everyday Leadership ChallengesBukky Yusuf is a Deputy Headteacher, Consultant and Qualified Coach.
Bukky has worked in education for over two decades and has undertaken a number of leadership roles within mainstream and special schools, centring around professional development programmes, quality first teaching and effective implementations of Educational Technology.
As part of her commitment to increase diverse leadership within education, Bukky participates with a number of initiatives including WomenEd and BAMEed.
Bukky’s keenness for education and the impact that educators can make is reflected in the presentations that she delivers at local and national levels. Fur...2024-04-031h 18The We Lead Well PodcastAnnabel Jeffcoate - In Pursuit of Balance Through BoundariesAnnabel is a work-life balance coach from London. Years ago she would write to-do lists as long as her arm and kick herself each day when she didn't get through them. She would put in the extra hours yet always felt like she was chasing.
She was so focused on getting things right that her life was a constant cycle of 'all or nothing'. She felt like no matter what she did she was never enough. As soon as she felt like she was getting on top of things something else would be added to her workload.2024-03-061h 07The We Lead Well PodcastPhil Denton - Self-evaluation SimplifiedAfter many years in school leadership including positions as Headteacher, Deputy Head, Assistant Head and Head of History, Phil is now a leader for education companies based in Manchester and London. He speaks widely to education, public sector and corporate audiences working with teams to create impactful plans that realise ambitious priorities. He is the author of The First 100 Days with Micky Mellon.
Phil has worked across schools in the North of England and Saudi Arabia. In addition, he is an experienced sports coach although my attention is directed solely at his son’s junior football team! He...2024-02-061h 15The We Lead Well PodcastDave Keeling - On being happy: creating positivity and wellbeing in the workplace
In this episode of the podcast, I chatted with Lead Happiness Consultant, Dave ‘Billy Elliot’ Keeling. Dave grew up in a pit village in Nottinghamshire and was tap dancing three times a week by the age of ten. Never one to shy away from challenge and risk, he then moved into the world of acting and trained at the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.
Dave has worked extensively in theatre and television. His credits include:
Downton Abbey,
Eastenders,
Coronation Street and
Blood Brothers in the West End.
Dave also has a background in st...2024-01-191h 16The We Lead Well PodcastDavid Harkin - Finding BalanceIn this episode, I talked with David Harking of 8 Billionideas. David is the Founder and CEO of this EdTech and services company and is on a mission to give every student the skills and belief to change the world. Centred around five pillars, 8billionideas focuses on teaching entrepreneurship, career education, wellbeing, health and performance, as well as life skills to students of all ages. In 2022, David was ranked 8th in the world by ISC Research as one of the top influencers globally positively disrupting the education sector and published his first book, 'The Ripple Effect: How surprisingly small changes...2024-01-081h 11The We Lead Well PodcastMichelle Hague - How do you get it right from the start? Best practice in the EYFSMichelle Hague is the Founder of HEYD. She is an accomplished and inspirational school leader with a track record of developing high-performing cultures, systems, and strategies to enhance academic standards. With experience as a Rapid School Improvement Partner, Head of School Development, Head of an outstanding school, Teaching School Alliance, Interim Head, Ofsted Inspector (Early Years), and coach, Michelle has established her credibility and delivered tangible results. The HEYD Approach, partnered with EuHu, driven by Michelle's passion for excellence, enables organisations to unlock their full potential and achieve early years success consistently.
Use the code WELEADWELLPODCAST for 10...2023-12-181h 12The We Lead Well PodcastKeren Mitchell Superkind: Empowering Children to Shape a Better WorldSuperKind is an award-winning, free platform for schools to bring social action and philanthropy into the classroom. Their website and free resources can help you to create the next generation of change-makers in the easiest and most engaging way. Superkind's Co-founder Keren Mitchell joined us for this episode to tell us about the ways in which Superkind are supporting schools to help children engage in social action and philanthropy and the impact that this is having on not only the mental health and wellbeing of our young people but also their educational outcomes.
Superkind also runs the Social Impact Schools Awa...2023-12-0143 minThe We Lead Well PodcastJohn Cosgrove - Humans First: A Compassionate Approach to LeadershipIn this episode of the show I'm joined by the brilliant John Cosgrove. After almost 40 years’ teaching John retired in the summer of 2019. He still contributes significantly to the world of education and has so much to share and teach about the importance of compassion in leadership.
John is a firm believer in inclusion, having taught pupils of all ages from 3 – 18 in Cornwall, London, Lancashire and Reading. John is also a prolific writer; he has written: articles, news items, plays and books, both fiction and non-fiction. Most, though not all, of his writing has been about schools and edu...2023-11-201h 19The We Lead Well PodcastLiz Robinson - Nurturing Head, Heart and Hand in Values-led EducationIn this episode of the podcast it was a pleasure and a privilege to interview the CEO of Big Education, Liz Robinson. Liz’s motivation comes from a profound belief that schools can play a transformative role in children’s lives, but also in shaping whole communities. Social justice and wider change underpin her views that school simply must be about the whole child, the whole family and the whole community. As the head at Surrey Square for many years, Liz used values as a key driver to redefine the purpose of the school and radically reshape the culture and...2023-10-311h 06The We Lead Well PodcastJenny Bowers -The Essentials of Safeguarding: What you need to know
In this episode, I talk to Jenny Bowers, supervisor and safeguarding expert and CEO of Purplemoon. Jenny has worked in numerous leadership roles in which she has been responsible for safeguarding and SEN. Her expertise has been developed over many years and she shares this with us in the episode. If you're responsible for safeguarding or you want to be a safeguarding lead or senior leader, this episode is a must listen.
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www...2023-10-061h 16The We Lead Well PodcastKate Owbridge - So you don’t want to be a headteacher?Kate has been in primary teaching since 1993, and leadership since 1997. She first became a head in 2004, and has now been head in three schools, an executive head in a fourth, and supported two others in an interim capacity, both Church and Community schools, across four different LAs, and three Dioceses. From inner city Lambeth and Southwark to the London suburbs, and the market towns and villages of East Sussex, there is very little that Kate hasn’t experienced as a school leader. She is keen to share this experience with others to grow leaders for the future, and does th...2023-09-221h 12The We Lead Well PodcastRuth Kudzi - Coaching: Is it worth it?Ruth is an MCC (Master) level coach with over 10,000 hours of coaching experience with a wide variety of clients.
She left her role as a high school deputy headteacher and set up Optimus Coach Academy where she trains people to become professional coaches alongside running her own private coaching practice.
Ruth is a twice best-selling author and podcaster and an expert in Positive Psychology and Neuroscience.
optimuscoachacademy.com
ruthkudzi.com
This episode is sponsored by Schools UK who have been providing supply cover insurance to schools for 24 years. For a 10...2023-09-051h 09The We Lead Well PodcastStephanie Shaldas - How can you be more inclusive?Stephanie Shaldas is a Deputy Headteacher in a secondary school in South East London with 20 years experience in education. She is a French and Spanish teacher who has been Head of Department, Head of Year and an Assistant Headteacher in a variety of schools across Essex and East London. In her current role, she is responsible for all things inclusion and pastoral care as well as diversity and equality. In this episode, Stephanie and I explore lots of different topics with a focus on inclusion and school values. Stephanie is great to listen to and has a wealth of kn...2023-08-191h 11The We Lead Well PodcastEmma Sheppard - Being life friendly - supporting parents in schools
In this episode, I talked to Emma Sheppard who founded The Maternity Teacher Paternity Teacher (MTPT) Project, the UK's charity for parent-teachers, whilst on maternity leave with her son in 2016. Having trained through Teach First as an English teacher in 2010, she continued to teach in the British International School, Ho Chi Minh, acting as Head of House, before returning to the UK as Lead Practitioner at an academy in South London. Here, she held responsibility for ITT provision, teaching and learning, and line managed the EAL department. In 2020, Emma began training as a coach with The Coaching Academy, and...2023-07-291h 05The We Lead Well PodcastCatrina Lowri - Embracing neurodivergence:Perspectives and InsightsIn this episode, I speak with Catrina Lowri the founder of Neuroteachers. Catrina is a neurodivergent teacher with dyslexia and bipolar condition. She has over 20 years experience as a SENCO and special needs teacher. Catrina is passionate about improving outcomes for children, young people, and adults with Autism and neurodiversity. She works with schools, colleges, nurseries, parents and businesses to improve inclusion for neurodivergent people by providing a bespoke mix of online resources, training, mentoring and action research projects to enable educational settings, families and employers to provide equity of opportunity for unique, neurodivergent, minds.
Schoolsuk.com...2023-07-141h 09The We Lead Well PodcastStephanie Miller - Metacognition: Process Over PerformanceWith over 12 years of experience in educational leadership positions in the UK and overseas, Stephanie is committed to fostering a whole-school approach to the development of process over performance, in order for students and staff to thrive. Through her work on mindset and metacognition in her early career she has embedded this into her classroom practice and leadership approach to ensure that all stakeholders are committed to preparing students beyond the curriculum and providing them with opportunities to develop skills in order to flourish in an ever changing future.
In her current role as Deputy Headteacher at th...2023-06-271h 09The We Lead Well PodcastBen Hobbis - How to become a school leader: unlocking leadership opportunities in schoolsAfter four years in Retail Management, Ben graduated from Birmingham City University with a first-class honours degree in Primary Education. With a background in retail management and a deep passion for education, Ben has since held various roles, including learning mentor, unqualified teacher, class teacher, and middle leader. Ben is passionate about delivering an engaging and well-rounded curriculum, prioritising student well-being and building strong relationships to create a nurturing learning environment.
In addition to his primary role, Ben is committed to making a broader impact in the education sector. He has established networks for aspiring and early c...2023-06-071h 04The We Lead Well PodcastCatherine Hulme - From Potential to Performance: Transforming outcomes in schools through coaching
Catherine Hulme is an accomplished educator, leadership coach, and the CEO of Leadership Edge, an organisation dedicated to transforming education through coaching. With over two decades of experience in the field, Catherine is passionate about empowering students and educators to reach their full potential.
Catherine works tirelessly to promote the power of pure coaching in schools. She firmly believes that coaching can revolutionise education by fostering student-centered learning, self-discovery, and goal-setting. Catherine's expertise lies in guiding schools and educational leaders in implementing coaching practices that enhance student outcomes and promote holistic development.
Catherine's career in...2023-05-211h 12The We Lead Well PodcastPatrick Ottley-O’Connor - Leading with the heart: empowering educators, nurturing wellbeingPatrick Ottley-O’Connor is a coach and education guru. He was a teacher for more than 34 years, including 27 years as a senior leader, and 17 years as a headteacher.
Patrick coaches many aspiring, new and experienced headteachers and CEOs, particularly those facing significant challenge both in the UK and internationally.
He leads and facilitates a variety of leadership programmes, ranging from middle leadership to executive leadership courses. Patrick is also a Trustee of the Wardle Trust and founding Director of Collaborative Leadership Ltd.
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weleadwell.co.uk
hea...2023-05-071h 18The We Lead Well PodcastAlan Taylor - Global LeadershipIn this episode of the podcast, I chatted to Alan Taylor, the headteacher at Newton College, part of the International Schools Partnership in Alicante. If you're wondering what it might be like to lead in an international school, or you're just interested to learn more about the experience of international leadership, this is the episode for you! Born and raised in Manchester in the UK, Alan first completed an aerospace engineering apprenticeship with British Airways before going on to attain a first-class honours degree in Secondary Science Education at The Manchester Metropolitan University. He went on to teaching and le...2023-03-301h 12The We Lead Well PodcastNeil Jurd - Leadership is Easy!For this episode, I chatted to Neil Jurd all about leadership. Neil is a former army officer and RMA Sandhurst instructor. He served in several operational theatres, including the Former Republic of Yugoslavia, Sierra Leone, Iraq and Yemen. Since leaving the army he has worked in leadership development and coaching for more than a decade, a passion which has now developed into a small but busy training company delivering residential and online training courses to a number of clients.
Neil has an MA from Cranfield University, is a Fellow of the Institute of Leadership and Management and...2023-03-101h 20The We Lead Well PodcastKindness Matters - John Magee UK Kindness AmbassadorOn this week's episode, I chatted to John Magee AKA The Kindness Coach and Founder of Kindness Matters. John has been teaching kindness and wellbeing to school children and teachers since 2010.
His motivation and passion for education began after the credit crunch of 2008, when he lost my family business, his marriage broke down and he battled bankruptcy and consequently deep depression.
John was given the opportunity by Community Business Partner CIC CEO, Amanda Meachin, and Darwen Community Academy Headteacher, Brendan Loughran, to speak at an event called Inspiring Communities.
Looking back, he never c...2023-02-091h 05The We Lead Well PodcastGroup Coaching: Create balance, lead authenticallyThis week on the show, I chatted to Atyia and Rebecca who were participants on the very first cohort of the Women Lead Well group coaching programme. We talked about some of the challenges facing women in leadership and how the group coaching programme has helped both of them to develop both personally and professionally. If you're wondering whether the group coaching programme is for you, or if you have female school leaders in your school who you think might benefit from being part of the programme, this definitely the episode to listen to. It's also for you if you...2023-01-201h 08The We Lead Well PodcastCleo de Jong - You can be a parent and school leader and make it workCleo de Jong is a deputy head at a high school in North London and mum of 2. I first heard Cleo on the Diverse Educators podcast talking about her experience of being a senior leader and mum and the challenges she had faced. This resonated with me and made me feel quite angry that things haven't moved forward that much since I was first pregnant 20 years ago. The good news is that Cleo now works in a school with a forward thinking head who has allowed Cleo the flexibility that supports her to be a mum and a deputy hea...2022-12-161h 08The We Lead Well PodcastThe Teacher Wellbeing Index Findings - What can we do?The findings from the 2022 Teacher Wellbeing Index were released on Friday and they are shocking! They are evidence that we are heading towards a catastrophe in the education sector. The number of staff in schools suffering from mental health issues is too high. The findings also suggest that there are too many toxic schools in which staff wellbeing and morale are at rock bottom and a staggering number of school staff are seriously considering leaving, with many of them currently actively looking for other roles outside education. So what can we do about it? In this episode, I summarise the k...2022-12-0438 minThe We Lead Well PodcastKate Smith - Live, Love, Learn, and LeadKate Smith works with the Heads Up network for headteachers. She is a coach and all round amazing human! She describes herself as an ethical and values-driven coach and leader who believes in the power of humanity; her core values are authenticity, connection and love! In this week's show, Kate and I have a conversation about the challenges of school leadership, intentional wellbeing and how you can overcome your limiting self-beliefs. Kate worked in education for over 15 years and is a former headteacher.
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www.p...2022-11-261h 01The We Lead Well PodcastHelen Baker - Coaching to support leadership transformationHelen was the deputy head at a school in Essex and was one of the first participants on the Women Lead Well group coaching programme. In this episode, Helen and I talk about leading as a woman, and as a human being. We also talk about how coaching, both one to one and group, have helped Helen's growth and development as a leader and led her to the point at which she has been able to leave her role and start her own business.
www.weleadwell.co.uk
vicki@weleadwell.co.uk
@WeLeadWellPodc1...2022-11-111h 04The We Lead Well PodcastBen Solly - Creating a culture of trustBen Solly is the Principal at Uppingham Community College in Rutland. He joined us on the podcast for the second time and we talked about how he role models wellbeing as a leader and how he has created a culture of trust in his school. It has been an absolute pleasure to have Ben join us on the show. He's a shining example of what a headteacher can be.
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2022-10-241h 07The We Lead Well PodcastPaula Kennedy - Linking with the world of business to support school improvementPaula has 30 years experience of teaching and leadership in schools across London and the south of England. Formally, Paula was a Deputy head in two challenging schools giving her an insight to the demanding but rewarding role of leadership in school. Paula’s experience supports her belief that young people from all backgrounds and of all abilities deserve excellent teaching which comes from well led schools. Becoming involved in the City of London has opened her eyes to the great work that businesses and Livery companies undertake in support of education. This led to the idea of using these li...2022-09-291h 07The We Lead Well PodcastJulia Hancock - Emotional LiteracyJulia is a lifelong learner and leader of learning. She is the Director of Boundless Learning Ltd, specialising in bespoke consultancy support for leadership, learning and wellbeing, organisational development, staff development, coaching and supervision. Julia is also a committed and passionate School Governor.
Her extensive experience of research and development in education across a broad range of expertise is rooted in enabling emotional and cognitive development, oracy and communication, metacognition and the impact of a growth mindset on motivation and promoting self esteem so that everyone is a leader of their own learning.
Julia's research jour...2022-09-151h 07The We Lead Well PodcastMegan Corcoran - Co-creating a Wellbeing Community@WeLeadWellpodc1
Vicki@weleadwell.co.uk
www.headteacherchat.com
www.teachwellalliance.com
www.teacherswell.com
In this episode of the podcast, I chatted to Megan Corcoran all the way from Australia! Megan is passionate about supporting schools and organisations to become wellbeing communities. She believes that all members of a workplace can contribute to the wellbeing of the organisation and Megan can guide teams through practices and processes to have the skills to do so. Megan’s practice is trauma-informed and grounded in Wellbeing Science. She is an experienced workshop fa...2022-07-301h 08The We Lead Well PodcastSimon Antwis - Supporting our most vulnerable as we emerge from the pandemicSimon Antwis is an experienced head and Estyn inspector and in this episode we chat to him about the impact of the pandemic on our pupils and STEER and how it can help you identify the pupils who are the most vulnerable and at risk of facing mental health challenges.
steer.education
vicki@weleadwell.co.uk
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www.headteacherchat.com
www.teachwellalliance.com
2022-07-151h 00The We Lead Well PodcastDr Rachel Briggs - Improving whole school wellbeingOn today's show, we welcome Dr Rachel Briggs. With over 30 years' experience as a class teacher, senior leader, in-service trainer and education researcher, Rachel has practical experience and a theoretical knowledge of the education system and the associated benefits and risks to educators’ wellbeing.
Rachel offers coaching and supervision (reflective and safeguarding), as supportive dialogue to improve practice/competence and wellbeing which buffer against burnout and compassion stress injuries. Her practice is informed by a ‘mobile-balance’ model of educator psychological wellbeing, developed utilising her doctoral and masters studies and research, as well as her teaching and leadership experie...2022-07-011h 18The We Lead Well PodcastDrew Povey - When the Clouds ComeDrew Povey is back! This time he's come to tell us all about his brilliant new book, 'When the Clouds Come' a book about how to overcome adversity and face all of the challenges that life and leadership present.
You can buy the book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09THQYWTZ/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
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2022-06-091h 25The We Lead Well PodcastJulie Rees - Values Based Education
It is one thing for a school to talk about values. It's another for a school to make them a living, breathing part of every aspect of school life in a way that transforms the entire community.
Such is the power of Values-based Education (VbE for short), something that Julie Rees brings to life in the schools she leads and why so many people flock to visit her school to see for themselves. And come away entirely moved by the experience.
Julie is an experienced and successful primary school leader who fully embraced the concept...2022-05-271h 14The We Lead Well PodcastDan Edwards - How to lead differentlyThis week's episode sees the return of the brilliant Dan Edwards, Primary Executive Principal. Dan and I discuss many of the aspects of educational leadership and how we can do things differently in order to support the wellbeing of our staff, including quality assurance and CPD.
vicki@weleadwell.co.uk
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DanEdwardsword@wordpress.com
#SaturdayEdChat
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2022-05-121h 10The We Lead Well PodcastJo Evans - Inspiring LeadershipJo Evans is CEO of St Christopher’s Multi Academy Trust, currently 18 primary schools across Plymouth, Torbay and Devon Local Authorities. Jo has been re-energising the organisation to work collaboratively, operate effectively and continue to grow in a sustainable way. Jo has a very strong research informed background, being part of the Cambridge Primary Review Board of Directors. She has been a leader in a range of rural and city schools, in which she has taken one school from Special Measures to Outstanding and the most recent from Good to Outstanding. This has been achieved through her resolve to prov...2022-04-281h 18The We Lead Well PodcastAlison Kriel - Authentic LeadershipAlison Kriel was born in South Africa and educated around Africa and in Ireland and the UK.
She has worked in several schools, led two schools and have experienced all the education-related challenges and worked to transform the lives of thousands of children.
After completing her teacher training she taught infant classes for three years before becoming a Year 6 teacher and maths coordinator at Gayhurst School in Hackney. After one year she was appointed as Deputy Headteacher.
In 1999 I became the founder Headteacher of Betty Layward School, which was built in response to a...2022-04-211h 03The We Lead Well PodcastMike Nicholson - How can we make it better for boys?
Mike Nicholson has over seventeen years experience in education as an English teacher and middle leader. Having worked in schools from every Ofsted category he has a wide range of experience across the educational spectrum and early in his career began to develop a reputation for his ability to have an impact on boys and young men deemed ‘difficult’ and ‘challenging’. Recognition of his work with this group led to a nomination for a Pearson National Teaching Award. In 2009 Mike took a sabbatical year to manage an education program called The English Language Improvement Centre in a rural area of Ethio...2022-03-311h 16The We Lead Well PodcastDr Carmen Bergmann and James Nottingham - Making it better for women in schools
Dr. Carmen Bergmann is Managing Director for Challenging Learning. She is also co-creator for key aspects of online services, including book studies, conferences and lesson plan downloads. She is the host of an in-depth webinar series, co-author of School’s Out, Learning’s In and principal author of the Challenging Learning blog. Her excellent reputation for guiding and encouraging staff online and in-person has led to powerful cultural change in pedagogy and leadership around the world.
Before joining Challenging Learning, Carmen was the assistant superintendent for a Regional Office of Education, advising and supporting schools in 30 school distr...2022-03-111h 22The We Lead Well PodcastMalarvilie Krishnasamy - Learning to let goThis week on the show I chatted to Malarvilie Krishnasamy, educational leadership consultant, coach and trainer. We shared our thoughts on lots of things education including managing change, creating effective CPD and engaging staff. Malarvilie is full of energy and has a real passion for improving outcomes for young people through coaching in schools.
vicki@weleadwell.co.uk
@WeLeadWellPodc1
https://www.malcpd.com/
www.transformeducationcoach.com
2022-03-051h 07The We Lead Well PodcastWomenEd - International Women’s DayWill you help #breakthebias?
Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.
Celebrate women's achievement. Raise awareness against bias. Take action for equality.
In this week's episode, I'm joined by Vivienne Porritt from WomenEd who shares the programme for International Women's Day.
@womenEd
@WeLeadWellPodc1
#breakthebias
vicki@weleadwell.co.uk
www.transformeducationcoach.com
2022-02-2540 minThe We Lead Well PodcastDrew Povey on LeadershipIn this, the 50th episode of the We Lead Well podcast, we welcome back the inimitable Drew Povey. Drew and I chatted about all things leadership including what he's learned about leading effectively, what he learned from the leaders he worked with and the advice he would give to aspiring leaders who listen to the show. He also recommended some leadership reading to help you to keep learning.
www.transformeducationcoach.com
www.headteacherchat.com
www.teachwellalliance.com
www.drewpovey.co.uk
vicki@weleadwell.co.uk
@WeLeadWellPodc1
...2022-02-181h 11The We Lead Well PodcastKate Jones - Retrieval Practice: What’s it all about?In this episode, I chatted with teaching and learning expert Kate Jones. As a blogger and writer she has written for many educational blogs and magazines including Teach Middle East magazine, Education Journal Middle East, UKEd magazine, Innovate My School and Teach Secondary. Kate is also an experienced coach and mentor and supports senior leaders with professional development. She has presented at various high profile events across the UK and overseas including a keynote presentation at the UAE University focusing on innovation across the curriculum and I am delighted to be the keynote speaker at the Abu Dhabi Teaching and...2022-02-041h 11The We Lead Well PodcastKates Jones - Exactly what is Retrieval Practice?In this episode, I'm joined by teaching and learning expert, Kate Jones. As a blogger and writer Kate has written for many educational blogs and magazines including Teach Middle East magazine, Education Journal Middle East, UKEd magazine, Innovate My School and Teach Secondary. Kate is also an experienced coach and mentor. She also supports senior leaders and teachers with professional development. Kate has presented at various high profile events across the UK and overseas. Events in the UAE include a keynote presentation at the UAE University focusing on innovation across the curriculum and she was the keynote speaker at the...2022-02-041h 11The We Lead Well PodcastKates Jones - Exactly what is Retrieval Practice?In this episode, I'm joined by teaching and learning expert, Kate Jones. As a blogger and writer Kate has written for many educational blogs and magazines including Teach Middle East magazine, Education Journal Middle East, UKEd magazine, Innovate My School and Teach Secondary. Kate is also an experienced coach and mentor. She also supports senior leaders and teachers with professional development. Kate has presented at various high profile events across the UK and overseas. Events in the UAE include a keynote presentation at the UAE University focusing on innovation across the curriculum and she was the keynote speaker at the...2022-02-041h 11The We Lead Well PodcastBecky Allen - The Next Big Thing in School ImprovementThis week we are privileged to welcome Becky Allen to the show. Becky has spent the past 15 years researching and writing about schools. She is the co-founder and Chief Analyst at TeacherTapp, the daily survey and CPD tool. She is also a Professor of Education at the University of Brighton. From 2014-2017, I founded and led the highly successful independent research organisation, Education Datalab and was Professor of Education at UCL Institute of Education until December 2018.
In 2018, Becky published a book with Sam Sims called The Teacher Gap. Some of the ideas in the book were taken u...2022-01-211h 14The We Lead Well PodcastAdrian McLean - On Being a Changemaker: Part 2In this week's episode I continue my conversation with Adrian McLean. We discuss lots of different aspects of leadership, creating impact, taking care of wellbeing and making a difference.
@WeLeadWellPodc1
vicki@weleadwell.co.uk
www.transformeducationcoach.com
www.headteacherchat.com
www.teachwellalliance.com
2022-01-141h 08The We Lead Well PodcastAdrian McLean - Part 1: On Being a ChangemakerThis week I spoke to Adrian McLean, ex-headteacher and academy trust leader. Adrian is an expert on diversity, equity and inclusion and works as a governor and is a trustee for Governors for Schools; he is on the advisory board for Reach Out 2 Kids and Heads Up and has been a long time collaborator with DiverseEd and Aspiring Heads. He has more recently become a steering group member for the National Tutoring Programme. Adrian and I discussed all sort of topics and issues in this podcast from how to work effectively with disadvantaged pupils to how to deal with cha...2022-01-061h 15The We Lead Well PodcastJacqui Frost - Resilience - it’s more than ’bounce-back-ability’In this week's episode, I chatted to Jacqui Frost ex-headteacher and leadership coach and consultant about resilience. What does it actually mean to be resilient? How can we be more resilient as leaders? And what happens when we don't have the resilience we need? This is a great interview with so much insight into what it means to be resilient.
Jacqui is a fully accredited Resilient Leaders Elements consultant and works with leaders to help them to become more effective in their roles.
https://www.jacquifrost.co.uk/
linkedin.com/in/jacqui-frost-the-leaders’-coach-™-8037367...2021-12-291h 07The We Lead Well PodcastDr Kenny Frederick - What‘s the point in Ofsted?Kenny was a secondary headteacher for 17 years on the Isle of Dogs in London and has worked in schools for almost 40 years. She has a PhD from Brunel University on Teacher Rounds and is passionate about giving teachers a voice. Kenny is involved with the IQM Award and has been a governor in a large primary school, including as chair for the last 3 years. Kenny is currently an education consultant and spends a lot of time in schools. In this interview, Kenny and I talk about accountability and Ofsted and how we can work with staff to empower them a...2021-12-201h 05The We Lead Well PodcastGemma Drinkall - Supporting your staff to stay wellThis week I interviewed Gemma Drinkall who takes us through her experience of burnout as a middle leader. It's so important, as leaders, to get to know our staff, to understand them, so that we can notice when things are not right. In the episode, Gemma shares her personal experience of how teaching affected her mental health in the hope that by sharing what she went through, school leaders can develop their awareness of others so that they are able to empathise with staff and support their wellbeing in the workplace. Gemma came out of the other side of her...2021-12-031h 08The We Lead Well PodcastAlec Jiggins - So, exactly what is coaching and what can it do for me?On this week’s episode, I chatted with Alec Jiggins. Alec is an experienced and resourceful coach and trainer who has worked in both the non-profit and corporate spaces in a range of leadership roles across seven countries. Alec is an expert coach and he and I talked about coaching: exactly what it is, how it can improve you personally, professionally and as a leader and how you can use coaching to improve relationships in every aspect of your career and your life.
https://alecjiggins.com/
@alecjiggins
vicki@womenleadwell.co.uk
www...2021-11-261h 01The We Lead Well PodcastHannah Cotton - Authentic LeadershipIn this episode of the podcast, I interview Hannah Cotton FRSA. Frustrated by the pace of change for women despite the support of Male Allies, conscious of the scale of #MeToo, mindful of the male suicide epidemic and factoring in the future of automation, Hannah founded EquAllies to tie her passion for education, equality and mental health to the impact of individual authenticity on productivity. Keen to futureproof the workforce in the face of automation, Hannah offers a unique and inspirational view of how to unleash the potential of an inclusive society.
In the interview, we talk...2021-11-181h 08The We Lead Well PodcastJames Nottingham - Mindset mattersThis week on the show I've got a brilliant interview with James Nottingham. James is the creator of The Learning Pit as well as a sought-after keynote speaker and author of 11 books about teaching, learning and leadership. He co-founded Challenging Learning in 2006 to share some of the best ways to strengthen learning in schools, preschools, and colleges. HIs company now employs 25 staff in six countries: the UK, the USA, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Australia.
James brings clarity and insight to research evidence; a breadth and depth of exemplar that connects with the reality of the classroom; and a...2021-11-101h 05The We Lead Well PodcastAndrew Cowley - A Toolkit for WellbeingAndrew Cowley is an expert on wellbeing. He has set up the @healthytoolkit twitter account where you can find lots of information, articles, tips and advice about wellbeing. He has also written countless blogs that you can access at http://healthyteachertoolkit.wordpress.com. He's also written two books - The Wellbeing Toolkit and The Wellbeing Curriculum. Both are highly recommended.
Join the growing numbers of female school leaders in the Women Lead Well Coaching Network by emailing vicki@womenleadwell.co.uk
Join the We Lead Well Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/759022258015887
Foll...2021-11-031h 01The We Lead Well PodcastDaniel Bull - More than a jobDaniel Bull is Assistant Headteacher at Summerhill School in Wolverhampton and produces and presents his own podcast - More Than a Job on which he and his 2 colleagues have interviewed Branwyn Jeffries, Mary Myatt and David Didau, to name but a few. In this episode, we chat about all things education including how to use podcasts to support your own or your school's CPD, vertical house systems and lots more.
@danielTBull
www.morethanajob.co.uk
www.transformeducationcoach.com
www.headteacherchat.com
www.teachwellalliance.com
Join our Facebook g...2021-10-271h 05The We Lead Well PodcastJulia Skinner - Working with governors to improve wellbeingJulia Skinner is an education consultant, trained coach and former primary headteacher. She is also an experienced governor and trustee who now supports governing bodies to get the best out of their relationships with headteachers to support them to provide the best for the children and young people in their schools. In this episode, Julia talks about what governors can do to improve the wellbeing of staff in their schools and how governors and headteachers can work more effectively to aid school improvement.
@theheadsoffice
jskinner675@gmail.com
www.transformeducationcoach.com
www.he...2021-10-131h 05The We Lead Well PodcastAndrew Earl - Creating authentic, meaningful connectionHappy one year anniversary to the We Lead Well podcast. In this one year anniversary episode of the podcast, I interview Andrew Earl, restorative practice practitioner.
Andrew is currently the Restorative Apporaches Lead Practitioner for Stockport Local Authority. He has worked in primary education for the last 15 years, the last 5 of which he worked as the deputy headteacher and subsequently headteacher of a large, complex primary school in inner city Salford.
If you are not as familiar with the concept, Restorative Approaches is an ethos - or way of being - which places relationships at th...2021-10-061h 21The We Lead Well PodcastHaili Hughes - ITE, ECTs and beyond: training, recruiting and retaining the best teachersHaili is Head of Education at IRIS Connect, a senior lecturer at the University of Sunderland, a journalist, speaker and author of several well-renowned education books. In this episode, Haili talks about the new ECT framework and the Core Content Framework for ITE and the golden thread that runs through CPD from training through to the NPQs.
Haili's books (available in paperback):
Mentoring in Schools
Humans in the Classroom
Preserving Positivity
@HughesHaili
www.transformeducationcoaching.com
www.headteacherchat.com
www.teachwellalliance.com
2021-09-241h 13The We Lead Well PodcastBianca Greenhalgh - On being a new head (and so much more!)Bianca Greenhalgh is in her first year as headteacher at The Gatwick School. In this interview, she is brutally honest about the reality of taking on your first headship and doing so with authenticity.
@BCGreenhalgh
www.transformeducationcoach.com
@WeLeadWellPodc1
www.headteacherchat.com
www.teachwellalliance.com
aRYVrHCEpukFwDYshiJ7
2021-09-091h 00The We Lead Well PodcastSimon Botten - Making wellbeing a prioritySimon is the headteacher at Black Horse Primary near Bristol. He has written numerous blogs about leadership and what it is to be a head. You can find him on Twitter at @southgloshead and you can read his brilliant blogs at https://southgloshead.wordpress.com/
www.transformeducationcoach.com
www.headteacherchat.com
www.teachwellalliance.com
@WeLeadWellPodc1
2021-08-251h 02The We Lead Well PodcastVivienne Porritt - 10% BraverIn this episode we welcome Vivienne Porritt, co-founder and one of the strategic leads of the WomenEd movement. She's the co-editor of '10% Braver: Inspiring Women to Lead Education'. Vivienne is also the Vice President of the Chartered College of Teaching and is a former secondary headteacher.
@ViviennePorritt
www.transformeducationcoach.com
www.headteacherchat.com
www.teachwellalliance.com
2021-08-1658 minThe We Lead Well PodcastYamina Bibi - Rising StarYamina is an assistant head in a high school. She recently won the We Are the City Rising Star Award in Education and Academia for the amazing work she has done advocating for women Muslim leaders in education and coaching in schools. In the interview she talks about how coaching can support wellbeing in a school and how you can set up a coaching programme in your own school. Yamina is a pocket dynamo! She is a passionate educationalist and determined to make a difference in education.
In today's show, I asked you to support the bake sale...2021-07-221h 07The We Lead Well PodcastDr Vic Carr - Making the most of every minuteVictoria is a primary school headteacher in the North West. She is a mum, of two teenagers. In her spare time she is a British Army reservist, in military intelligence, no less! Not only that, she has completed two MAs (in equality & diversity and educational Leadership) and a doctorate, and is currently studying for a third MA at Bucks New University in military history. She loves sport, and baking, and the outdoors. She recently presented a TEDx talk at Chester University on the power of language and how we can all be everyday heroes.
www.transformeducationcoach.com2021-07-101h 13The We Lead Well PodcastPeter Radford - How to Bounce BackPeter is an experienced public speaker, teacher, trainer and coach with a wealth of experience, of leadership, management, personal development and education. He now works with businesses, organisations & schools to help develop the strategies and momentum to meet the challenge of change and achieve their goals. Peter is an accredited GCologist and works with leadership and staff teams to enable rapid growth and development.
In this episode, Peter tells the story of his burnout as a senior leader in a large comprehensive school, how he has bounced back from that and shares his knowledge and experience of how...2021-06-3054 minThe We Lead Well PodcastDiana Osagie - Courageous LeadershipWith 16 years’ experience leading secondary education, including six years as a successful head teacher in a London secondary school; Diana works at the cutting edge of education and school improvement. She is known as a resilient school leader, skilled in urban leadership under challenging circumstances. Diana has substantial success in developing school wide models that strategically enhance the quality of teaching and learning across the curriculum and can couple sound strategic vision whilst giving clear operational direction. She lectures on a MEd in Educational Leadership for a UK university as well as teaching the Masters program in Educational Leadership fo...2021-06-211h 07The We Lead Well PodcastJonathan Coy - Creating networks works!In this episode we finally meet the founder of our partner organisation Headteacher Chat. Jonathan talks about the importance of networking and why he set up the Headteacher Chat network to support headteachers and leaders in schools to feel part of a supportive community.
www.transformeducationcoach.com
www.headteacherchat.com
www.teachwellalliance.com
2021-04-2953 minThe We Lead Well PodcastJulie Norman - Keeping your staff happy and wellIn this week's episode, we welcome back the amazing Julie Norman. Julie and I talk about how we can lead differently to support the wellbeing and happiness of the staff in our schools.
https://schoolomegasolutions.co.uk/about-the-quality-first-education-system/
@julienorman1970
www.transformeducationcoach.com
www.headteacherchat.com
www.teachwellalliance.com
2021-04-201h 09The We Lead Well PodcastNicky Bright - It's time to talk about the menopauseIn this week's episode, we discuss a really important issue when it comes to wellbeing in schools, and that's the menopause. With a majority of school staff being women, and a significant number of those over 40, the menopause has a major impact on the health and wellbeing of staff in schools and it's time to start talking about it and, more importantly, doing something about it. This episode is not just for women either. Male school leaders have a responsibility to look after their staff and this includes women experiencing the menopause or menopausal symptoms. So, I asked Nicky Brig...2021-04-0957 minThe We Lead Well PodcastJohn Tomsett - Less is MoreJohn Tomsett is a nationally renowned school leader supporting schools to improve the quality of teaching and learning. He has 33 years of teaching experience, with 18 years as a headteacher. He led Huntington School in York, one of the country’s leading Research Schools, for 14 years. He offers consultancy on school leadership with a clear focus upon improving teaching and learning and curriculum development.
In this interview, John and I discuss how you can improve teaching and learning and the curriculum in your school whilst taking care of the wellbeing of your staff.
www.transformeducationcoach.com...2021-04-011h 12The We Lead Well PodcastDrew Povey - Inspiring LeadershipIn this week's episode, we're joined by Leadership Consultant Drew Povey, most recognisable as the headteacher in Educating Greater Manchester.
2021-03-241h 14The We Lead Well PodcastClemmie Stewart - A rainbow in the stormIn this week's episode, I interview Clemmie Stewart who I am sure you will love listening to! I first encountered her when I followed her on Twitter as I found her tweets so positive and uplifting. Clemmie has the privilege of being Senior Head of Prep Schools at Surbiton High School, 500 pupils across two Prep Schools in South West London. Prior to that she spent 4 years in a State Junior School, being part of the team who took the school from Special Measures to Good with Outstanding. Over ten years in the world of education, working across all sectors, ha...2021-03-1655 minThe We Lead Well PodcastDame Alison Peacock - Listen, Learn and ShareThis week, I am delighted to be joined by Dame Alison Peacock. Dame Alison has had an illustrious career in education and is now the CEO of The Chartered College of Teaching. In an inspirational interview, she talks about how to support staff to be their best. Dame Alison exudes kindness and compassion and talks about herself and the roles she has undertaken with humility and passion. She is a champion for teachers and teaching and you are going to love this interview and love Dame Alison!
2021-03-021h 05The We Lead Well PodcastDr CJ Van Nieuwerburgh - Coaching not cakeThis week's interview is with Dr Christian Van Nieuwerburgh. Christian is a highly regarded executive coach, leadership consultant and academic with an international reputation. He is a thought leader in the areas of coaching in educational settings, interculturally-sensitive coaching and the integration of coaching and positive psychology in professional contexts. In addition to significant experience of delivering consultancy and executive coaching to clients in the UK and internationally, Christian is recognised as a leading academic in the field of coaching psychology. He is the Editor in Chief of Coaching: An International Journal of Theory, Research and Practice.
If...2021-02-2358 minThe We Lead Well PodcastBennie Kara - We can make our schools more diverse and equitable!Bennie Kara is an English teacher and deputy headteacher responsible for teaching and learning at a secondary school in Derby. She is a speaker, coach and trainer on topics such as language, literature, leadership, diversity, curriculum, assessment and teaching & learning. She is a Teach First ambassador from the inaugural cohort of Teach First and a Founding Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching. She is also the author of The Little Guide for Teachers: Diversity in Schools.
You can buy a copy of Bennie's book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Little-Guide-Teachers-Diversity-Schools-ebook/dp/B0895XHTW1#ace-g0979249316
B...2021-02-1656 minThe We Lead Well PodcastBen Solly - Making Wellbeing a PriorityBen Solly is the principal at Uppingham Community College in Rutland where he is in his fourth year. He spent his first three years as a headteacher at Lutterworth College in Leicester. Ben regularly writes articles for the Sec Ed Bulletin. In this episode, Ben and I talk about how you can create a culture of wellbeing in your school and how you can prioritise your own wellbeing and be a role model for your staff.
Ben and I talked about the wellbeing charter that they have developed at the school. You can find a copy of it h...2021-02-091h 03The We Lead Well PodcastProfessor Rachel Lofthouse - Collaboration and Co-creationRachel Lofthouse is Professor of Teacher Education in the Carnegie School of Education. She has a specific research interest in professional learning, exploring how teachers learn and how they can be supported to put that learning into practice.
Rachel is a teaching educator and researcher. Her interest starts with student teachers, but extends to teachers and educators at all career stages and in all sectors. Ensuring that teachers keep learning is critical when the policy and practice landscapes of education keep shifting. Rachel has a particular interest in how teachers learn through approaches such as coaching, mentoring, l...2021-02-031h 00The We Lead Well PodcastAndy Buck - The Power of ConversationThis week I spoke with the inimitable Andy Buck, who generously shared his knowledge, experience and wisdom on all things wellbeing and coaching. A geography teacher by trade, Andy was a headteacher for thirteen years at two schools in east London. In his last year of headship, his school was judged outstanding in all categories and Andy was designated a National Leader of Education. In 2009 he became a Director at the National College for School Leadership, leading on the London Challenge programme. He was subsequently responsible for setting up the government’s flagship Teaching Schools programme before being appointed as...2021-01-2759 minThe We Lead Well PodcastDan Edwards - Forward is all that mattersThis week on the show I'm joined by Dan Edwards. Dan is the headteacher of the Woodstock Primary Academy in Leicester and I first came across him when I read his blog 'Acknowledging the empty cup' in which he writes about how he took up running. Dan has now run three half-marathons, nine marathons and four ultra-marathons and has a plan to run five marathons in five days for charity. As a runner myself, and someone who understands how important exercise is to a healthy mind, I was really interested in how while working as a headteacher, he fit in...2021-01-201h 02The We Lead Well PodcastJonny Uttley - Putting Staff FirstIn this episode of the show I'm joined by Jonny Uttley. Jonny is the CEO of the Education Alliance trust. He has extensive school leadership experience having worked in senior leadership teams in good and outstanding schools for the last 15 years and he is an accredited National Leader of Education.
Under Jonny’s leadership, South Hunsley School was in the top 5% of all schools nationally for progress at Key Stage 4 in each of the last 4 years. The sixth form is also in the top 10% of all providers across the country. South Hunsley School has won the Pupil Premium Award...2021-01-131h 07The We Lead Well PodcastDr Helen Kelly - What Do You Need?Helen Kelly is a researcher, writer and consultant in the field of school wellbeing. Between 2006 and 2020 she led international schools in Bangkok, Berlin and Hong Kong. Prior to this Helen was member of the English legal profession, representing workers in the area of health and safety at work.
Helen is most known for her work on school leader stress and wellbeing. She was awarded an Ed.D from the University of Birmingham, UK in 2017 with a thesis entitled “International Schools as Emotional Arenas: Facing the Leadership Challenges in a German Context”. She also holds a Masters in Educ...2021-01-051h 02The We Lead Well PodcastDr Jill Berry Promoting connection and diversityDr Jill Berry is the formerHead of Dame Alice Harpur School in Bedford. Since leaving headship in 2010, she has worked as an Associate for the National College for Teaching and Leadership, carried out a range of educational consultancy work and completed a part-time Doctorate in Education, researching the transition from deputy headship to headship.
Jill has been involved in #WomenEd, a network designed to support aspiring and serving women leaders in education, since its inception in 2015. She has conducted academic research on the development of the initiative with Dr Kay Fuller from Nottingham University; spoken at several #WomenEd e...2020-12-161h 01The We Lead Well PodcastLiz Robson-Kelly - Theory to support the practiceLiz is a leading expert in Positive Education in the UK. She has developed several pioneering approaches to early intervention and prevention through her professional practice and research. As a practising Positive and Organisational Psychologist, she has led Worth-it in its work supporting hundreds of schools and organisations and over 3,000 professionals to develop the mental health, wellbeing and resilience of children and young people. Liz is a Teaching Fellow at Loughborough University teaching Applied Positive Psychology and Organisational Psychology. She previously taught at Bucks New University and also sat on the advisory board for the Leeds Becket University, Carnegie...2020-12-071h 01The We Lead Well PodcastSuneta Bagri - Putting yourself firstSuneta has worked in primary schools for over 20 years and has been headteacher in a number of primary schools in different contexts and circumstances. She now works to support wellbeing in school in response to the current retention crisis and the focus on wellbeing. Suneta runs the Cultivate, Coaching and Consulting company along with the Every Teacher Matters project. She is dedicated to teachers' and leaders' happiness. I'm sure you'll be inspired by this conversation in which she says we are people first and professionals second. Suneta is also a mum to three children, one of whom has complex disab...2020-11-2955 minThe We Lead Well PodcastPhil Sharrock - To make a difference, you need to be different!Phil Sharrocks joined me for this week's episode. He's an ex-headteacher, consultant and foster carer and he says it like it is! He worked in four schools that he supported to improve rapidly. He took one school from inadequate to good in fifteen months and moved it from the bottom 20% to the top 15% of schools for progress. He's an influencer on Linked in which is where I first encountered him and his message about allowing teachers to teach really resonated with me. Phil really cares about teachers and teaching and is particularly passionate about making learning fun - for teach...2020-11-2357 min