Joining the Dots

Exploring the need for change in our education system. In our latest conversation, we delve into the transformative ideas of Professor Eddie Blass, who left academia to address the pressing challenges in high school education. Eddie's insights reveal a landscape where traditional university models may no longer serve today’s learners effectively.   The Shift from University to High School Eddie sh...

Matt and Al are joined by Daniel Hulme, one of the UK's leading voices on AI. Daniel grew up in Morecambe, was actively discouraged from applying to university, and did his A levels under a desk in the hotel restaurant he was running at 16. He got into UCL anyway, fell in love with education, and went on to found the AI company Satalia (acquired by WPP, where he is now Chief AI Officer) and Consci...

Matt and Al are joined by Mike Berners-Lee, professor at Lancaster University, founder of Small World Consulting and author of four books including How Bad Are Bananas? and There Is No Planet B. Mike chairs the National Emergency Briefing, which last November brought 1,200 of the UK's most influential people, including around 85 MPs, peers, business leaders and faith leaders, into Central Hall Wes...

Could AI help school leaders understand Ofsted, identify hidden risks and approach inspection with greater confidence? Victoria Hedlund—founder of GenEd Labs and widely known as “The AI Bias Girl”—returns to Joining the Dots to discuss Inspection Insights, her data-led approach to analysing inspection reports and supporting school leaders. Victoria joins Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop to examine the...

Educational success rarely follows a perfectly straight line—and Dr Caroline Keep’s journey is powerful proof of that. In this episode of Joining the Dots, Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop speak with Caroline about progressing from an underestimated, neurodivergent learner to an award-winning teacher, data scientist and EdTech researcher with a PhD. Caroline reflects on being autistic, dyslexic and hav...

Digital transformation in education is not about placing a device in every learner’s hands. It is about leadership, trust, professional learning—and choosing the right tool for the right educational purpose. In this episode of Joining the Dots, Al Kingsley speaks with Dr Rebecca “Becki” Bawler about digital competence in Wales and the lessons education systems can learn from Estonia’s carefully pl...

Explore the complex relationship between AI and bias with expert Victoria Hedlund. Learn how AI perpetuates biases and what can be done to mitigate them. AI promises greater personalisation, productivity and accessibility in education—but what happens when its answers quietly reproduce the biases already present in society? In this episode of Joining the Dots, Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop speak wit...

Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop discuss with Heather Rhodes insights on online education, its impact on soft skills, and innovative projects in India, emphasising personalised learning, hybrid models, and future educational reforms.   key topics Lessons learned from Harrow Online Highgrove's pedagogical model and soft skills focus Impact of online education on student happiness and soft skills Hybrid...

Building the Future of Education with AI and System Innovation In this episode, Narinder Gill joins Matt Jessop and Al Kingsley to discuss the transformative potential of AI in education, systemic challenges, and innovative strategies for fostering collaborative growth. Discover how the Institute of AI Education aims to support educators, students, and communities in navigating the digital future....

Navigating Education's Evolving Landscape: Insights from Andy Kent on Change and Data In this episode, Matt Jessop and Al Kingsley delve into the profound shifts in education over the past 27 years, especially accelerated post-COVID, and how data and AI are shaping the future of teaching and school management. Join us for an enlightening discussion with EdTech entrepreneur and all round nice guy,...

In this conversation, Caroline Keep discusses her work in AI, education, and community engagement with Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop. She emphasises the importance of accessibility and neurodiversity in educational technology. She shares insights from her research on fuzzy logic and the challenges of AI, as well as her role in shaping policies in Liverpool. Caroline also reflects on her experiences...

In this episode, Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop chat with Dr Nicole Ponsford and discuss the critical role of inclusive data in education, emphasising the need for schools to listen to the voices of all stakeholders. She highlights the disconnect between the data collected and the real experiences of students and staff, advocating for a more nuanced approach to data interpretation. Nic also explores...

In this conversation, Matt Jessop and Al Kingsley meet Mathieu Skulason and Mark Agerwala from Evolytes and explore the significance of improving student attitudes towards learning and how fostering happiness in learners can lead to better educational outcomes. The speakers emphasise the role of EvoLights in this process. Takeaways Improving student attitudes leads to better learning outcomes. Hap...

In this engaging conversation, Bukky Yusuf discusses with Matt Jessop and Al Kingsley her mission to empower leaders and young people in education, addressing the significant challenges they face today. She emphasises the importance of creating child-centred schools, the need for flexibility in education, and the role of leadership in fostering a positive environment. The discussion also delves in...

In this conversation, Matt Jessop and Al Kingsley are joined by Kieran Maguire, Lecturer in football finance at University of Liverpool, author of ‘The Price of Football’ and podcast host of  ‘The Price of Football’ with comedian Kevin Day and BBC money presenter Guy Kilty. They discuss the multifaceted role of football in society, particularly its impact on education, community engagement, and fi...

In this conversation, Liina Vahtras, the managing director of Estonia's e-residency program, discusses the evolution and impact of the program on entrepreneurship and the digital economy in Estonia with Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop. She highlights the innovations being implemented to streamline the application process, the unique digital ecosystem of Estonia, and the importance of aligning educatio...

In this conversation, Al Kingsley , Matt Jessop and Tara Steele discuss the urgent need for safeguards in the use of AI by children. They explore the dangers of AI companions, the role of AI in education, and the importance of regulation and governance. The conversation emphasises the necessity of educating children about AI, the risks of emerging technologies, and the challenges of keeping up wit...

In this engaging conversation, Baasit Siddiqui discusses with hosts of the "Joining the Dots Podcast" Matt Jessop and Al Kingsley about his extensive experience in education and the importance of character education, mindset, and the seven Cs. He emphasises the need for project-based learning and collaboration between schools and businesses to better prepare students for the future. The discussion...

Joining the Dots Podcast with Richard O’Neill MBE on Storytelling, Skills & Resilience Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop interview Richard O’Neill MBE – Author, master storyteller, founder of Lumberjunkers, visiting professor at Durham, campaigner for men’s health.   🔑 Episode Highlights: Storytelling as the heart of communication: Richard shares how his Romany upbringing shaped his love of oral st...

🎙️ Joining the Dots: Challenging the Rhetoric of AI in Education with Bianca Farthing  In this thought-provoking episode of Joining the Dots, Al and Matt are joined by Bianca, founder of AI Edify, history teacher, and digital leader — to explore how education can rise above the hype of AI and technology to truly serve learners. Together, they dive into: ✨ Why education must prioritise ethics, saf...

In this thought-provoking episode of Joining the Dots, Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop are joined by global education innovator and learner-centred strategist Carla Aerts. With decades of experience in EdTech, AI, and digital learning, Carla brings a passionate, challenging, and compassionate lens to the big question: what is education really for? 🧠 From soft skills (or rather, “power skills”) to dig...

🎙️ Joining the Dots – Episode: Bridging Business, Education & Innovation with Naomi Timperley Hosts: Al Kingsley & Matt Jessop | Guest: Naomi Timperley In this energising episode, Al and Matt are joined by powerhouse Naomi Timperley—innovation consultant, tech community builder, and passionate advocate for youth and entrepreneurship. Naomi shares her inspiring journey across the UK’s tech...

In this lively and thoughtful episode, Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop are joined by educator and co-founder of Natterhub, Caroline Allams. Together, they dive into the evolving challenges and opportunities in education, especially around digital safety, parental engagement, and the impact of technology on both learning and wellbeing. Caroline shares her journey from early years teaching to EdTech ent...

In this episode, Matt Jessop and Al Kingsley sit down with Hugh Viney , founder and CEO of Minerva’s Virtual Academy (MVA) — one of the UK’s fastest-growing online schools. From launching with just four students in 2021 to educating over 1,100 full-time learners globally, Hugh shares MVA’s unique hybrid model blending 60% asynchronous and 40% synchronous learning. 💡 Topics include: The founding v...

In this episode of Joining the Dots, Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop sit down with Paul Glossop from the University of Derby to explore the growing cracks in our education system, especially around attendance, SEND provision, and the rigidity of traditional pathways. From rising parental disillusionment to the potential of online schools, they tackle big questions about relevance, access, and the futu...