Teachers Talk Radio

On this summer edition of Points of View, our panel (Tarjinder Gill, Yasmin Omar, Rae Whitehouse and Lucy Trimnell) explore two big issues shaking the education world: the growing number of consultants and ex-teachers shaping school policy from the outside, and a controversial court case over the use of long-term isolation in schools. Is it possible to advise schools effectively without being in the classroom? What's the true cost of external expertise? And when does helpful CPD cross the line into 'snake oil'? Then, the discussion turns to a recent High Court ruling in favour of a Leeds school whose isolation policy was challenged by three pupils. The panel looks at the complex tensions between duty of care, student behaviour, teacher wellbeing, and the limits of the judicial system in shaping school policy.

As the school year kicks off, join host Famida Choudhary in conversation with Year 5 teacher Sharon—an inspiring educator who blends humour, heart, and high standards. Together, they explore how teachers can prepare meaningfully for a new class: from understanding student needs to setting up routines that stick. A practical and uplifting show to start the year strong.

Darren discusses the highs and lows of being a teacher in the middle of one's career.

Joining Liz today is former teacher, turned librarian, Sue Eastlake who, like many others before her, has left 30 years in the classroom behind, in the hope of reclaiming the holy grail of work-life balance. They discuss and debate the reasons behind the recruitment and retention crisis in education and weigh up the pros and cons of leaving the classroom behind. But is the grass greener on the other side?

Tom Rogers is joined by secondary HOD and oracy enthusiast Louise Pickering to explore how she is approaching Oracy development in her school. She shares her insights from leading an impactful oracy initiative at Weavers Academy. Louise discusses why oracy is a vital skill for students, especially in relation to equity, life chances, and long-term success, and how it can be a powerful lever for closing attainment gaps. We dive into the practical steps her team took to embed oracy across the school, the challenges they faced, and how staff CPD and modelling played a key role. Louise also shares how instructional coaching can be used to develop staff oracy and build a culture of effective communication throughout a school. If you're a leader looking to make oracy a priority in your setting, don't miss Louise's top three tips for getting started.

Darren talks about why it's important for teachers to feel truly included in their school communities.

In this reflective show, Famida Choudhary explores whether teaching has strayed too far from its core purpose. Joined by a listener mid-show, the discussion dives into how admin demands impact classroom creativity—and what it means to truly let teachers teach.

Ben White is joined by Katie Finlayson for a thoughtful conversation about home education. With 15 years of experience educating her own children—and supporting thousands of families across the UK—Katie shares what life as a home-educating parent really looks like, why more families are choosing this path, and what schools might learn from those doing things differently. She also discusses her own recent research, which gathered insights around why and when families chose to home educate.

In this Twilight Show, Timea is joined by Dr Gillian Stacey, Course Director at LCCA with a passion for purposeful pedagogy, and Inca Hide-Wright rising star Graduate Management Trainee at University of Warwick bringing sharp insights and the all-important student voice, to dive into the art (and science) of student engagement, both in the classroom and beyond.

Tonight's show explores the never-ending story of curriculum design in primary schools. Huma is joined by Marc Hayes, an experienced school leader and curriculum thinker, to discuss what curriculum design really means, why it matters, and how we can make it purposeful, inclusive and manageable. From storytelling in history to sequencing in geography, they unpack the practical challenges, explore the realities of implementation, and share reflections that matter to classroom teachers and curriculum leaders alike.

Tarjinder Gill, Tom Rogers and Lucy Trimnell discuss the huge controversy this week involving a school's culture day. A diversity day at a secondary school ended in upset and apologies after a 12-year-old girl wearing a union flag dress was prevented from delivering a speech she had written about British culture.

In this show from Teachers Talk Radio, hosts Tom Rogers and Darren Lester dive into the world of educational travel with two expert guests: Dr John Allan and Will Aitken, Head of Student Wellbeing at Accrington Academy. Together, they explore the profound impact that school trips can have on students' resilience, confidence, and long-term personal growth. From local excursions to life-changing international adventures, the panel shares heartfelt stories, practical advice, and the latest research on how learning outside the classroom can boost employability, wellbeing, and cultural capital. They also tackle the barriers like cost, logistics, workload and how schools and providers like NST are helping to overcome them. Check out the NST Travel offer here: www.nstgroup.co.uk

Darren has a newfound interest in the history of British education and uses John Milton's treatise 'Of Education' to ask the question: Do things ever change?

What is authentic inclusion? What does it mean? What does it look like in schools? Carl's guest, Marie Neave, is head of a special school working on a DfE project on inclusion in Lewisham. We discussed whether there is a clear definition of inclusion and what good inclusivity might look like e.g for Ofsted.

Joining Liz and Kate this week is the wonderfully eloquent Rachel Gilyeat, a specialist in Relationships and Sex Education for students in years 7 through to 13. Rachel shares wise and candid advice on the importance of RSE, especially for young people in a modern world where they are exposed to information from a variety of sources, helping them to embark safely and healthily on their first relationships. Let's talk about sex education…

In this lively and thought-provoking show, host Tom Rogers chats with two experts on dyslexia—Dr. Helen Ross, a specialist assessor and SEN consultant, and Lucy Pelling, head of Moon Hall Assessment Centre. Together, they delve into what dyslexia really looks like at different stages of a child's education—and how schools can better support those who have it. From practical classroom tips and assistive tech to the bigger picture around diagnosis, access arrangements and EHCPs, this show covers a huge amount of ground. Expect honest insights and plenty of actionable advice for teachers, SENCOs, and school leaders.

Our panellists discuss the biggest stories from the week gone by in education; Schools managing huge numbers of AI generated complaints from parents, school suspensions reach nearly 1 million in 2023/2024 and one academy trust decides to ban skirts. Join Tarjinder Gill, Carl Smith, Lucy Trimnell and Rae Whitehouse for this one. 

Darren explores the concept of teacher identity and politics through the lens of liberationalism.

Timea discussed AI in learning and teaching with her guests Dr Noman Mahtab, Subject Lead at LCCA, and Dr Med Kharbach, the founder of Educators Technology. Based on Noman's research 32% of higher education lecturers use AI in teaching, but 77% have never received formal training on it. The guests shared examples of ethical use of AI in teaching, tools they use, how AI can encourage creativity, and the importance of institutional policy-making. It was a lively discussion from academics who successfully use AI in learning and teaching on a daily basis.    

Claire Bills and Beejesh Deva dive into the big question: should schools ever do things just for Ofsted? They unpack the new framework, challenge the idea of inspection vs. support, and explore what really drives meaningful change in schools. Beejesh puts Claire on the spot with some tough scenarios about what she'd do as a head! Thought provoking and  refreshingly honest.

In this special one-off Teachers Talk Radio show, Kathryn Clark is joined by a brilliant panel of guests to explore the future of GCSE Maths. With curriculum reform and assessment reviews on the horizon, what should GCSE Maths look like by 2030? Kathryn is joined by Neil Ogden and Amy Jones, Maths Subject Advisors from OCR, and James Butterworth, Head of Maths at Truro School. Together, they explore the key questions: What maths should students be learning? How do we balance relevance with rigour? Is it time to rethink content like constructions, memorised formulae, and even the exam structure itself? The conversation covers everything from AI's role in the subject to financial literacy, real-life application, student voice, and how to best serve the full range of learners – not just those going on to study maths post-16. Visit OCR Maths: https://www.ocr.org.uk/subjects/mathematics/ 

Following part 1, where Tom sat down with AI and assessment expert Daisy Christodoulou, Tom is joined this time by History education trust lead Ben Walsh to discuss his take on developments in this area. 

Seema discusses this contended topic with Kent Valentine (Director & London Office Leader at Oliver Wyman) and Adrian Sledmere (Lecturer, ex-Kings College London and UAL). Using academic sources is an expectation in UK higher education; this conversation will explore how important the integration of academic sources are in teaching, whether academic sources are outdated, the risk of not using them and what constitutes credible teaching.

Carl and special guest Rebecca Thomson discuss alcohol and the teaching profession - Does teaching have a drinking problem? 

Join Famida Choudhary in conversation Ros Wilson as they explore how to embed creative writing and vocabulary development into the daily routine of ESL classrooms. In this show, Ros shares decades of insight on the power of talk, the importance of structured oracy, and how purposeful language exposure can transform writing outcomes for multilingual learners. From classroom routines to story-based vocabulary games and the role of family talk, discover how to build confident, expressive young writers—one sentence at a time.

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!

Join Famida Choudhary as she explores how evidence-informed instruction can empower teachers to teach smarter—not harder. In conversation with Jake Cowling, this show dives into how cognitive science and explicit teaching strategies can transform classroom practice. From retrieval routines to adaptive instruction, discover how research-backed methods can boost learning outcomes without overloading teachers or students.

Khanh-Duc and special guest Apapan talk about teacher education in Thailand.

Christopher talks with Andrew Otty and Dr Ellie Willard about the challenges and opportunities that come with preparing students for GCSE English language re-sits in post-16 settings.

Darren discusses how ancient philosophers saw the concept of wellbeing and what that means for us today.

Join Liz and Kate for their debut show on Teachers Talk Radio! They focus on all things educational visits. They both share stories of visits gone by, the highs and lows. Did the children behave? What were their best trips they went on as teachers? Why are educational visits so worthwhile? Enjoy! 

Yannick (Music Teacher) returns to Tony's show to discuss recent comments by social mobility commissioner Alun Francis: You can read those comments in this Schoolsweek article: https://schoolsweek.co.uk/shut-up-complaining-about-poverty-social-mobility-chair-tells-heads/ 

Toby, Emily and Roberto have an in-depth discussion about this year's GCSE English Language exams. Where the themes accessible to learners? How could the papers be improved? What developments can teachers make to reach more learners?  All these questions and more are discussed in this scintillating radio show. 

Tom, Nathan, Yasmin and Rae discuss the latest news from the education world.  An opinion piece in the Standard newspaper complaining about Labour's VAT policy pricing some parents out of private schools. A headteacher who uncovered a student WhatsApp group that had 9000 messages unread in one night. A policy for managed transfer of excluded students - forcing academies to take more students on managed moves.     

Tom Rogers, Rae Whitehouse and Lucy Trimnell discuss the latest news and views in the education world. They discuss whether grit can be taught and news that 25% of secondary parents and 12% of primary parents have concerns over the condition of school toilets. 

In this show, Claire Bills and Beejesh Deva explore the rise of short-term implementation, the spread of teaching fads, and the growing commitment to the science of learning. They also unpack how AI is reshaping school leadership—for better or worse. A sharp, questioning take on what's driving decisions in our schools.

Darren talks about why it's important for us, and our young people, to celebrate small wins on the road to success.

Career-related learning isn't just about picking a future job — it's also about building essential life skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity. In this inspiring show, we roll out the red carpet at Madame Tussauds London to explore how immersive experiences can motivate students and help them develop the skills they need to discover a range of career paths. By engaging with the stories behind celebrity achievements and iconic moments, students can gain valuable insights into what success can look like across different industries. Hosts: Chris Heath Robinson and Mo Ozsoy  Guests: Emily Weston, Danielle Clancy-Shelton and Jo Kinsey

Listen to this fascinating chat between two experienced school heads about how to survive and thrive in the role. This is great listening for anyone interested in being a school leader and what its like being in the 'big chair'.

Tom is joined by assessment expert Daisy Christodoulou to discuss all things AI and Assessment with special focus on History teaching. They discuss how No More Marking are revolutionising the marking landscape using AI tools. More than that, they talk about how mark schemes are flawed, the best sort of exams and when Tom experimented with Chat GPT and marking with Year 8 last year. This is an unmissable chat if you are interested in the present and future of assessment in schools. 

In this episode of the Wednesday Twilight Show, Michelle is joined by the inspiring and experienced school leader Jenniece Anderson for a powerful conversation on authentic leadership. From navigating pressure to staying true to your values, Jenniece shares real-world challenges, meaningful insights, and practical tips you can apply right away. Tune in and discover how leading with authenticity can transform not just your leadership, but your whole school culture. Don't miss it!

In this week's show, Martin invites David Allen to chat about teaching English in South Korea.