Heads Talks

This episode was recorded with a live audience. Our guests for this live discussion were Alexandra Haydon (Head of Francis Holland, Sloane Square), Evelyn Haywood (Director of Education at Skills Builder), Will le Fleming (Head of Thomas's College) and Dr Kathy Weston ( Founder of Tooled Up). The panel discussion explores the future of education, emphasizing adaptability, essential skills, assessm...

In this episode Mark Lascelles, the head of Epsom College discusses his experiences and insights gained over his first year at the school. He highlights the importance of school culture, the admissions process, and the need for a holistic education that prepares students for the future. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced by the school, the significance of pupil voice, and the evol...

In this conversation with Simon, Alexandra Haydon discusses her experiences and insights as the head of Frances Holland, an all-girls school. She reflects on her own educational journey, the distinctive features of her school, and the importance of relational teaching and psychological safety in fostering a supportive learning environment. Alexandra emphasises the significance of creativity, servi...

In this episode of Heads Talks, Simon Gould sits down with Ravi Kothakota, the newly appointed headmaster of Emmanuel School, to explore the transformative journey of leadership and the evolving landscape of schooling. With a focus on academic ambition, wellbeing, and community connection, Khothakota shares his vision for nurturing well-rounded students in a rapidly changing world. The conversatio...

In this conversation, Amy Cavilla discusses her experiences and insights as the head of Radnor House, touching on the school's ethos, the transition from an all-girls to a co-educational environment, and the importance of community values. She elaborates on the upcoming developments at Kneller Hall, the admissions process, and the innovative curriculum designed to prepare students for the future....

In this conversation, James Hook, headmaster of Harrodian School, discusses the distinctive ethos of the school, emphasizing its beautiful setting, strong community, and commitment to both academic excellence and a broad curriculum. He shares insights on how the school supports students during their transition to senior school, fosters a sense of agency and self-efficacy, and prepares them for A-l...

In this conversation, Simon Gould speaks with Matthew Shoults, the principal of Surbiton High School, about the evolving role of schools in society, the importance of creating a supportive and psychologically safe environment for students, and the benefits of all-girls education. They discuss the challenges posed by technology, the need for creativity and mindfulness in education, and the signific...

Toby Seth is the newly appointed Headmaster of Whitgift School, one of the UK’s leading independent day and boarding schools for boys aged 10 to 18, based in South Croydon. He joins Whitgift with a track record of thoughtful, values-driven leadership, most recently as Head of Pocklington School in Yorkshire, and previously as Deputy Head at King’s Macclesfield Educated at Cambridge University, Tob...

Today we welcome Will le Fleming who is the Founding Master of Thomas’s College in Richmond, an 11–18 day and boarding school rethinking the secondary journey with a three-year Sixth Form that begins in Year 11 and a hybrid pathway that blends GCSEs with Thomas’s Qualifications; Years 12 and 13 are reshaped to deepen scholarship, independence and readiness for life beyond school. Educated at Eton...

Credits: Produced, edited and mixed by Yusuf Johnson

Our guest today is Emma Turner, a highly respected voice in primary education, known for her deep expertise in curriculum design, teaching and learning, and school leadership. With almost 30 years’ experience in education, she has served as a class teacher, assistant head, deputy head, and co-head. She is a leading advocate for using cognitive science to inform curriculum and pedagogy, and is the...

Our guest this episode is Claire Boyd, Head of Glendower Preparatory School, a leading independent girls’ school in Kensington, London. Claire is now in her third headship within the independent sector, and with a background in educational leadership and curriculum development, she brings a wealth of insight into what truly matters in primary education. Claire is a passionate advocate for the tran...

Dr Kathy Weston is the founder of Tooled Up Education, a renowned speaker, author, and academic whose work bridges the worlds of psychology, education, and parenting. With a background in social science research and a doctorate in education, Kathy has spent her career equipping families and schools with the tools they need to help children thrive. Through her consultancy and digital platform, Tool...

Our first guest on Series 2 is Dominic Norrish, the Chief Executive of IAPS (The Independent Association of Preparatory Schools), a leading voice in the UK independent education sector. With a career that spans teaching, school leadership, and digital innovation, Dominic brings a unique blend of pedagogical insight and strategic vision to his role. Today, Dominic champions the value of prep school...

In this episode, Simon talks to Su Wijeratna, Head of Latymer Upper, about her impressive educational journey, the value of Co-Ed settings, Latymer's brave new assessment offer, and key challenges facing the sector at this time. Credits: Produced, edited and mixed by Yusuf Johnson

Simon talks to Rob Milne about Emanuel, his educational philosophy and key challenges facing the sector at this time. Simon also talks to Rob about his move to Dulwich College in the next academic year and the smooth transition to his successor at Emanuel. Credits: Produced, edited and mixed by Yusuf Johnson

Simon talks to Rowena Cole about Lady Eleanor Holles, her educational philosophy, single sex schools, and key challenges facing the sector at this time. Credits: Produced, edited and mixed by Yusuf Johnson

Simon talks to Fionnuala Kennedy about Wimbledon High, a girls first education and key challenges facing the sector at this time. Credits: Produced, edited and mixed by Yusuf Johnson

Simon talks to Jo Sharrock about Putney High, their educational philosophy and key challenges facing the sector at this time. Credits: Produced, edited and mixed by Yusuf Johnson

Simon talks to Mark Hoskins about Reed's, his educational philosophy and other key challenges facing the sector at this time. Credits: Produced, edited and mixed by Yusuf Johnson

Simon talks to Will Williams about Kew House, their educational philosophy and other key challenges facing the sector at this time. Credits: Produced, edited and mixed by Yusuf Johnson

Simon talks to Stephen Lehec about Kingston Grammar, their educational philosophy and other key challenges facing the sector at this time. Credits: Produced, edited and mixed by Yusuf Johnson

Simon talks to Chris Wolsey about Ibstock Place, their educational philosophy and other key challenges facing the sector at this time. “Heads Talks” is not affiliated with the “Heads Talk®” podcast. Credits: Produced, edited and mixed by Yusuf Johnson

Simon talks to Alex Tate about St John's, their educational philosophy and other key challenges facing the sector at this time. “Heads Talks” is not affiliated with the “Heads Talk®” podcast. Credits: Produced, edited and mixed by Yusuf Johnson