Edufuturists

In this episode of the podcast, we have the privilege of chatting with Steve Rigby, Chief Executive of the Rigby Group and philanthropist focused on making a difference in education. The Rigby Group employ more than 8000 people across Europe with a turnover of £4billion. We discuss the intersection of technology and education, the importance of social mobility, and the role of the Rigby Foundation...

In this episode, we reflect back on what has been an incredible 2025 and do a review of the last 8 episodes. We look ahead to some exciting updates for 2026, including the launch of our first book and lots of community developments. Chapters 00:00 New Year Reflections and Podcast Overview 02:40 Insights and Themes from the Last 8 Episodes 05:34 Diverse Perspectives in Education 08:22 Gamification...

In this week's podcast episode, we are joined by EJ Quinn, Head of Community Development @ Hyve Group who organise Bett UK. We dig into the importance of community in education, the challenges educators face, and how Bett UK is evolving to meet the needs of its attendees. We discuss the significance of collaboration, the role of technology, and the necessity of preparation for educators attend...

In this very special podcast episode, we are joined by members of the Edufuturists Wolfpack from across the UK, all in festive gear and cheer! We loved being joined in the studio by Dave Leonard, Tara Jones, Christine Mayers, Gaz Lewis, Louisa Rose and Naomi Toland. Poppy Lemar was also due to be with us but got struck down by the dreaded small-child-transmitted-end-of-term-itis. Hope you're f...

In this podcast episode, Victoria Hedlund joins us to discuss the intersection of education, AI, and bias, emphasising the need for awareness and action to address gender biases in educational content and how and where bias shows up for other groups. She explores how AI reflects societal biases and the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping educational practices. The discussion also touches...

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined in a thought-provoking conversation with Joe Lowther, who shares his journey from being a principal to leading KICK, a Christian organisation dedicated to transforming young people's lives through sport and support. The discussion covers the importance of physical activity in education, the mental health challenges faced by youth, and the role of m...

In this episode, we are joined by Alex Zarifeh, founder of ATLP Futures Readiness, who is helping young people AND adults navigate the AI Revolution. We discuss the profound societal changes brought about by technology, emphasising the need for critical exploration of these changes. Alex highlights the alarming statistics regarding AI usage among young adults, particularly in the context of relati...

In this episode of the Edufuturists podcast, we chat with Matt Dalio, who discusses the urgent need for educational reform to prepare youth for a rapidly changing workforce. We explore the importance of teaching skills that align with modern job requirements, the role of AI in education, and the necessity of collaboration and adaptability in learning. Matt shares insights from his work with Endles...

In this episode of the podcast, we engage in a lively discussion with husband and wife guests Mark and Zoe Enser about their experiences in education, the challenges faced by schools, and their new book, 'How Do They Do It? What Can We Learn From Amazing Schools, Leaders and Teachers?'. The conversation covers a range of topics including the importance of accountability, the definition of...

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by the wonderful Russell Cailey to explore the challenges and opportunities within the education system. Russ shares his personal journey from a disengaged student to an educator passionate about reforming education. We discuss the importance of human connection, the impact of technology, and the need for real challenges in learning. Russ' experien...

This episode of the podcast is a big review of some of our most recent episodes and the lessons we have learned from them. The conversation explores the readiness and agility of young people in the face of change, juxtaposed (what a great word, btw!) with scepticism about the future developments and their potential impact. We always speak with hope (just Steve Hope) while acknowledging the challen...

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Hilary Leevers and Maddie Dinwoodie from Engineering UK to discuss the importance of engineering education and the upcoming Tomorrow's Engineers Week. We explore the need for diversity in the engineering workforce, the significance of linking engineering to young people's passions, and the role of education in preparing students for future c...

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Sofia Fenichell, the founder of Study Hall AI. The conversation explores Sofia's journey as an entrepreneur in the education sector, her passion for improving literacy through innovative AI solutions, and the importance of fostering agency and passion in learners. We discuss the challenges of traditional assessment methods and the need for a shi...

In this episode of the podcast, we chat with Matt Jessop, a primary school head teacher from the North West of England who have won our Primary School of the Year TWICE! We discuss the innovative approaches Matt is implementing in his school, particularly in integrating technology and outdoor learning. The conversation digs into the challenges facing the education system, including funding issues,...

In this episode of the podcast, we have a profound conversation with Jaz Ampaw-Farr, an educator and author, about the transformative power of teachers and the importance of human connection in education. Jaz shares her personal journey, highlighting the impact of five key teachers in her life who helped shape her resilience and success. The discussion goes deep into the challenges faced by educat...

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Tasnuva and Ben representing the Youth Shadow Panel to discuss their part in the Shadow Curriculum & Assessment Review. This is the student voice to mirror the UK government's Curriculum & Assessment Review (CAR) led by Professor Becky Francis. Ben & Tasnuva join us as two members of a wider youth panel who represent the voices of 10...

In this episode of the podcast, we chat with the wonderful Gwyn ap Harri, the CEO of XP Trust, to explore innovative educational practices and the importance of character building in schools. One of Gwyn's schools, XP Gateshead won Edufuturists Secondary School of the Year 2025. Gwyn discusses the concept of 'crew' as a foundational element of XP Trust's approach, emphasising the n...

In this episode of the Edufuturists podcast, we talk to Kathryn McColl and Brogan Pierce from Hark about their Listen Up Report, which uncovers why confidence drops during key school transitions, who’s most affected, and what educators and employers can do to close the gap. Nearly 1 in 3 young people in the UK lack confidence - a hidden barrier to learning, career opportunities, and life chances....

In this episode, hosts Steve Hope and Ben Whitaker look into the evolving landscape of education. We discuss the challenges and opportunities in creating inclusive and diverse learning environments, the role of AI in education, and the importance of community engagement. The conversation also touches on the need for a curriculum that adapts to the needs of all students and the significance of teac...

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Jeremy Samways, who discusses his journey from marketing to education, focusing on the importance of AI literacy for students. Jeremy is the founder and a trustee of Your Tomorrow, an innovative charity dedicated to bridging the gap between education and the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence. With a strong communications and consultancy b...

In this episode of the podcast, we are delighted to welcome back Matt Bromley, an educational author and advisor, to discuss his latest book, 'Why School Doesn't Work for Every Child.' Matt first joined us in February 2024 with Andy Griffith, the co-author of another, similar book, The Working Classroom, and a friend of Ben's from his formative teaching years. This conversation exp...

In this episode of the podcast, we are super pleased to be able have another thought-provoking conversation, this time with Ian Timbrell, another Crown House Publishing author. Ian has written a brilliant book, More Than Flags and Rainbows, so we sit down to chat about the future of education, focusing on the importance of true inclusion, cultural change, and creating safe spaces for all students....

In this episode of the Edufuturists podcast, we are joined by Ben's fellow Accringtonian, Professor Andy Hargreaves to discuss the complexities of education, focusing on student engagement, the impact of teachers, and the importance of identity and belonging in the learning process. Andy shares his personal journey from Accrington to Canada, highlighting the role of influential teachers in sha...

In this episode of the podcast, we welcome another Crown House Publishing author, Leonie Briggs, the director of Amaze Lab, to discuss the future of education, particularly in the realms of STEM and STEAM. Leonie shares her journey from veterinary practice to education, her passion for creating engaging learning experiences, and her new book, 'Make Your Own Rainbow.' The conversation explo...

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Tom Hooper, founder of Third Space Learning, to discuss the evolution of tutoring from human-led to AI-driven models. Tom shares insights on the effectiveness of one-to-one tutoring, the importance of equitable access to education, and the role of teachers in integrating AI into learning environments. The conversation highlights the potential of AI...