EduPulse

In this episode, Chris sits down with educator, author and host of the Thinking Deeply About Primary Education podcast, Kieran Mackle, for a wide-ranging conversation about what genuinely improves mathematics teaching ... and what doesn't. Together they explore why evidence-informed practice matters more than ever, the danger of chasing educational trends without robust research, and the class...

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, one question continues to resonate: what truly drives effective school improvement? In this episode of the EduPulse podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with teaching and learning expert Yamina Bibi, whose insights provide invaluable guidance for educators and school leaders. This episode will explore key themes from our conversation, covering essen...

How to Lead an English Department: Insights from Donal Hale Learn key strategies for effective English department leadership from Donal Hale, a seasoned educator with extensive experience in curriculum design and teaching. Discover the essential habits, priorities, and approaches that distinguish successful department leads in English education. Leading an English department can be a daunting task...

This episode explores Sarah Seleznyov and Robert Lobatto’s book A Practical Guide to a Big Education , rooted in the idea that schools should offer an education of the “head, heart and hand”: academic knowledge, wellbeing and relationships, and practical skills such as creativity, communication and problem-solving. Sarah and Robert argue that education has become too heavily weighted towards compl...

This episode unpacks the problem with the “vague opener” in coaching conversations—questions like “How do you think the lesson went?” that seem reflective but actually create confusion and anxiety. From the teacher’s perspective, this forces them to scan an entire lesson and guess the coach’s focus, often leading to defensive responses or overemphasis on perceived mistakes. We show how this approa...

Welcome to the Improving Disadvantaged Outcomes podcast from Chiltern Learning Trust, in association with DfE RISE. In this episode of the Chiltern Learning Trust podcast, host Adam Kohlbeck speaks to Daniel Connor and Mark Mailer about Black Shoe Pedagogy. We delve into real-world examples from Challney High School for Boys, where a focus on consistent reinforcement of core values, symbolised by...

In this episode, Dr. Karen Taylor, Head of Educational Research at Wellington College, discusses the importance of connecting research and practice in education, the role of the journal of Educational Research and Theory and how educators can contribute and benefit from open, reflective scholarly exchange.

Welcome to the Improving Disadvantaged Outcomes podcast from Chiltern Learning Trust, in association with DfE RISE. In this episode of the Chiltern Learning Trust podcast, host Adam Kohlbeck engages with Dr. Alex Fairlamb to discuss the intricacies of curriculum design. They explore common pitfalls that leaders encounter, emphasising the importance of viewing the curriculum as a narrative rather t...

Welcome to the Improving Disadvantaged Outcomes podcast from Chiltern Learning Trust, in association with DfE RISE. In the latest episode of the Chiltern Learning Trust podcast, host Adam Kohlbeck engages with Jennifer Wright, an assistant head teacher at Challney High School, to discuss the crucial role of lesson starts in fostering an effective learning environment. With a focus on actionable st...

Welcome to the Improving Disadvantaged Outcomes podcast from Chiltern Learning Trust, in association with DfE RISE. In this episode of the podcast, host Adam Kohlbeck sits down with Deputy Head Kirsten Senior to explore effective strategies for teacher allocation in key year groups and fostering meaningful cross-disciplinary conversations. They discuss practical planning, leadership roles, and mec...

Ever thought about how working from home could change teaching? Here’s why it might be the key to better teacher wellbeing and retention. We’re diving into a project that explores the idea of offsite PPA (Planning, Preparation and Assessment) time for teachers. The goal? To see if allowing teachers to work from home during their PPA can improve their job satisfaction and help address the teacher r...

Welcome to the Improving Disadvantaged Outcomes podcast from Chiltern Learning Trust, in association with DfE RISE In this episode of the Chiltern Learning Trust podcast, host Adam Kohlbeck speaks with Jo Mylles about the significance of modelling in education. Jo shares her experiences as a Head Teacher and emphasises the importance of building sustainable school cultures that empower both teache...

Welcome to the Improving Disadvantaged Outcomes podcast from Chiltern Learning Trust, in association with DfE RISE. In this episode, Henry Cross, assistant headteacher at Challney High School for Boys, shares practical insights on why curriculum design is a strategic investment rather than a time-consuming burden. You'll learn why diversity and local history should be at the heart of your cont...

Welcome to the Improving Disadvantaged Outcomes podcast from Chiltern Learning Trust, in association with DfE RISE. In this first episode, host Adam Kohlbeck interviews behaviour expert Tom Bellwood. They discuss Tom's extensive journey in education, the concept of a behaviour curriculum and the importance of continuous behaviour management in schools. Tom shares practical steps for school leaders...

In this LIVE! episode of From the Chalkface Chris, Ella Martin and Matt Hinckley delve into the implications of AI in education. They discuss the importance of understanding AI as a tool rather than a companion, the risks of personifying AI and the systemic biases that can arise from its use. The conversation highlights the need for ethical considerations in integrating AI into classrooms and emph...

In this episode of From the Thought Space, Adam is joined by Dominic and Hannah from Stylus to discuss the complexities of assessing writing in primary education. They explore how Stylus leverages AI technology to improve writing assessment, making it more accurate and efficient. The conversation highlights the importance of writing as a foundational skill that unlocks other areas of the curriculu...

In this episode of From the Thought Space: Chris, Adam, and guest Alex Fairlamb discuss the importance of scaffolding in education, the role of leadership in creating inclusive learning environments, and the need for adaptive teaching strategies. They share personal updates, celebrate achievements and explore the journey of educators in fostering student success. The conversation emphasises the si...

In this special episode of the EduPulse podcast, guest host Sarah Cottinghat interviews Chris and Adam about their new book, 'Succeeding as a Deputy Head.' They explore the complexities and paradoxes of the deputy head role, emphasising the importance of alignment over agreement with head teachers, the necessity of trust in leadership, and the balance between accountability and professiona...

Summary In this episode of the EduPulse podcast, hosts Chris Passey and Adam Kohlbeck engage with Adam Robbins, a seasoned science teacher and coach. They explore the multifaceted nature of coaching in education, discussing its definitions, challenges, and the importance of feedback culture. Robbins shares his journey from a reluctant teacher to a passionate advocate for effective coaching, emphas...

In the latest episode of the EduPulse podcast, host Adam Kohlbeck engages with Richard Wheadon, a dedicated teacher and author, who shares his experiences and insights from both the classroom and his research. As Richard balances his teaching duties with writing and consultancy, he offers a unique perspective on the importance of establishing strong learning habits among students. Richard's bo...

In this conversation, Jo Tompkins and Sophie discuss the critical importance of reading in education, particularly in 2025. Sophie shares her journey as a teacher and the creation of StoryZoo, an innovative platform designed to promote reading for pleasure among children. They explore the challenges of engaging reluctant readers, the impact of technology on learning, and the need for systemic chan...

In this episode of the EduPulse podcast, Ella Martin, a deputy head, shares her journey into educational leadership, emphasising the importance of balancing teaching and leadership roles. She discusses the significance of building strong relationships within the school community, developing middle leaders, and fostering a culture of continuous learning. Ella highlights the need for vulnerability i...

In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of coaching conversations, particularly focusing on how to effectively share evidence with coachees who may disagree. We emphasise the importance of precise observational techniques and note-taking, as well as the need for building trust and relationships in coaching. Through a role-playing exercise, we illustrate how to navigate disagreements and fos...

In this unique of the EduPulse podcast, Adam interviews Chris, who has recently taken on the role of Head Teacher at Kimichi School. Chris shares his experiences and challenges faced in his new position, discussing the overwhelming responsibilities, the importance of prioritising well-being and the need for a supportive school culture. The conversation delves into the trade-offs that come with lea...

A sister series to From the Chalkface, our brand new series From the Think Space features the best of the influential and inspiring voices in education. In our first episode, we discuss future of teacher recruitment and retention with long-standing friend of EduPulse, Haili Hughes.