School Podcast

In education, we talk a lot about teaching and learning… But what about everything else? In this episode, we sit down with Theresa Allotey to explore the often overlooked side of schools, the student experience. From the perception of support staff, to how schools can better utilise and repurpose resources, this conversation challenges the traditional view of what really drives impact in education. Because the truth is… It’s not always what happens in the classroom that shapes a young person’s future. We dive into: Why student experience should be at the centre of every school The undervalued role of support staff How schools can rethink and repurpose existing resources What real impact looks like beyond teaching and learning If you work in education, this is a conversation you need to hear. Huge thank you to our sponsors: Gadget Line - Edurio - Access Education - Dreams 2 Reality #schoolpodcast #cameronparker #

The day before he retired, Sir Paul Tarn sat down for one final 90-minute conversation. He rarely does interviews. He never gives this long. And in what became a powerful and candid discussion, he didn’t hold back. In this final interview before stepping away from headship, Sir Paul reflects on his journey into education at 31, the lessons learned over decades of leadership, and what truly drives impact in schools. We discuss: • Why teaching is still the best job in the world • The real conversation around standards • Impact and expectations for white working class boys • The funding debate and whether there is actually enough money in education • Why sharing everything matters • Educational exchange and collaboration • The role of data in driving improvement This isn’t soundbites. It’s depth. It’s conviction built from experience. It’s a leader speaking freely at the end of a chapter. Whether you agree with him or not, this is a significant conversation in the education space. If you care about schools, standards, leadership and the future of education, this is one to watch. Huge thank you to our sponsors: Gadget Line - https://gadgetlinefilms.com/education/ Edurio - https://home.edurio.com/ Access Education - http://www.theaccessgroup.com/education Dreams 2 Reality - www.dreams2-reality.com Listen on the go or watch in full when you’re ready. 🎙 The School Podcast Hosted by Cameron Parker Like, comment and share your thoughts below. #SirPaulTarn #TheSchoolPodcast #Education

In this episode Amjad Ali joins the conversation with Cameron Parker on The School Podcast. At a time when education can feel increasingly complex and overloaded, Amjad argues for clarity, simplicity and intentional practice. Drawing on his experience working with teachers and schools across the world, he challenges common assumptions around standards, differentiation and research. This is a thoughtful and practical conversation about removing unnecessary complexity from teaching while maintaining high expectations for every pupil. For classroom teachers, middle leaders and trust leaders alike, this episode offers grounded insight and actionable thinking that prioritises impact without increasing workload. Huge thank you to our sponsors: Gadget Line - Edurio - Access Education - Dreams 2 Reality #schoolpodcast #cameronparker #amjadali

In this powerful episode of The School Podcast, we sit down with Miriam Manderson to explore an extraordinary journey — from her upbringing and the devastating loss of her mum, to becoming a headteacher and leading school culture through some of the most challenging years education has ever faced. Miriam speaks openly about: Growing up and the experiences that shaped her mindset Losing her mum and how grief influenced her leadership Building strong culture and values in schools Stepping into headship and the realities of the role Leading staff and students through Covid What school leadership really looks like behind the scenes This is an honest, human conversation about resilience, responsibility, and leadership, with lessons for teachers, school leaders, aspiring heads, and anyone working in education. 🎧 Whether you’re in the classroom, SLT, or thinking about headship, this episode is packed with insight, reflection, and real-world experience. 👉 Watch the full episode and join the conversation 📌 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with anyone in education who needs to hear this. Huge thank you to our sponsors: Gadget Line - Edurio - Access Education - Dreams 2 Reality #schoolpodcast #cameronparker #fromhoodtoheadship

In this episode of The School Podcast, Adrian Rogers, CEO of Chiltern Learning Trust, shares why great leadership is about people, not just systems. We explore how education has changed over the years, why building the right team matters more than ever, and how leaders can stay genuinely connected to what’s happening in their schools — not just what reports and data say. Adrian also reflects on the danger of leadership echo chambers, the importance of listening to different voices, and how trust leaders can keep perspective, challenge assumptions, and make better decisions at scale. This conversation is essential viewing for school leaders, MAT leaders, and anyone interested in leadership, culture, and the future of education. Huge thank you to our sponsors: Gadget Line - Edurio - Access Education - Dreams 2 Reality #schoolpodcast #cameronparker #adrianrogers

In this episode, Sam Sheedy shares what it’s really like to lead a school with extreme leadership turnover — and the lessons he learned about visibility, relationships, and sustainable leadership. A powerful conversation for headteachers, senior leaders, governors, and anyone working in education who wants to build trust, stability, and long-term impact. 🎧 Listen to the full episode of The School Podcast 📌 Leadership | School Culture | Visibility | Trust Huge thank you to our sponsors: Gadget Line - Edurio - Access Education - Dreams 2 Reality Like, comment, share & subscribe for more school and leadership conversations. #SamSheedy #Headteacher #SchoolPodcast

In this live episode of The School Podcast, former headteacher, Ofsted inspector and founder of Courageous Leadership Diana Osagie shares what it really means to lead with courage in education and beyond. She unpacks: Her journey from failed A-Levels to executive headteacher What courageous leadership actually is Why leaders must build a tribe and stop leading alone How low expectations get baked into schools and teams The role of discomfort, resilience and real relationships in leadership 👉 If you’re a headteacher, senior leader or manager feeling stretched, stuck or called to “more”, this one is for you. Huge thank you to our sponsors: Gadget Line - Edurio - Access Education - Dreams 2 Reality Like, comment, share & subscribe for more school and leadership conversations. #DianaOsagie #CourageousLeadership #SchoolPodcast

In this episode, Cameron dives even deeper into the real stories and lessons that come from working inside UK schools every week. Episode 2 delivers another dose of honesty, energy, and insight straight from the frontline. No fluff. No fancy theories. Just genuine reflections, practical wisdom, and mindset shifts you can apply immediately — whether you’re a student, educator, parent, or someone who simply cares about making a difference. Tune in for more real talk, more learning, and more reasons to stay committed to the work that matters. Huge thank you to our sponsors: Gadget Line - Edurio - Access Education - Dreams 2 Reality #CameronParker #SundaySchool #TheSchoolPodcast

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 SEND Sponsors: 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 Bernard Thank 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

In this podcast Omar Al Hashimi an experienced educator and thought leader, explores how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the world of education. He shares his insights on the opportunities and challenges AI brings to classrooms and explains why teachers and schools should embrace AI rather than resist it because it’s here to stay. Discover how AI can enhance learning, support teachers, and prepare students for the future. Join the conversation and share your thoughts in the comments below! 🎙️The School Podcast — Real conversations. Real schools. Real impact. Thank you to our sponsors: Edurio - Access Education - Gadget Line Films - Dreams 2 Reality 🎧 Listen to The School Podcast on Spotify & Apple Podcasts #education #artificialintelligence #SchoolPodcast #CameronParker

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 Parker This 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

The 3 C’s approach to managing behaviour — sounds good on paper, but does it actually work in real schools? In this episode of The School Podcast, Cameron Parker sits down with Sam Strickland, Headteacher and author of Education Exposed, to challenge one of the most commonly repeated ideas in behaviour management. Together they explore: 🎯 Why the 3 C’s aren’t enough in practice 🔥 What really drives culture and high standards in schools 💬 How leaders can support staff without lowering expectations 💪 The difference between being “nice” and being “effective” If you care about behaviour, culture and leadership — this conversation will make you think differently. 👉 Watch, subscribe and share if you believe in raising standards and supporting teachers to succeed. #TheSchoolPodcast #SamStrickland #CameronParker

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

n this episode of The School Podcast, Cameron Parker sits down with Iona Jackson, Managing Director at Edurio, the UK’s leading provider of stakeholder feedback solutions for schools and trusts. Iona shares how Edurio is helping school and trust leaders gain clarity, data-driven insight, and confidence on the issues that matter most—whether that’s staff wellbeing, pupil experience, equality and inclusion, or safeguarding. ✅ Why stakeholder feedback is essential for real school improvement ✅ The biggest trends and challenges facing schools and trusts right now ✅ How leaders can move from “guesswork” to evidence-based decision making ✅ Practical steps for turning feedback into positive change If you’re a headteacher, trust leader, or educator who wants to cut through the noise and focus on what really makes an impact, this conversation is for you. 🔗 Learn more about Edurio: https://edurio.com 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more real conversations, real schools, real impact. #SchoolPodcast #CameronParker #education

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 most Whether 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

We dive deep into powerful, necessary topics that often get overlooked in the classroom – from safeguarding and trauma to resilience, vulnerability, and real-life challenges young people are facing today. If you believe in honest conversations that spark change in education, hit Subscribe and turn on notifications 🔔 so you never miss an episode of the School Podcast. We’re bringing voices like Jeremy’s to the forefront – because these are the conversations that matter. Please check out Jeremys amazing work - www.jeremyindika.com 👉 Subscribe now. Let’s make education braver, bolder, and better. #JeremyIndika #SchoolPodcast #Safeguarding

🎙️ School motivational speaker Cameron Parker sits down with executive leader and coach Patrick Ottley-O'Connor for a powerful conversation on education, Ofsted, well-being, leadership — and so much more. This is a must-watch episode for educators, leaders, and anyone passionate about making a difference in schools. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring content. Thank you to our sponsors: Edurio - Access Education - Gadget Line Films - Dreams 2 Reality