Independently Speaking: The ISA Podcast

In this episode of Independently Speaking, host Helen Stanton-Tonner sits down with education consultant, speaker, and EduFuturists podcast host Ben Whitaker to confront one of the most pressing questions facing modern education: How do we thrive as humans in the age of artificial intelligence Moving completely away from the "shiny penny" obsession with new apps and prompt engineering, Ben challen...

In this inaugural episode of our new termly series on inspection, compliance, and safeguarding, host Helen Stanton-Tonner is joined by an expert panel, ISA Deputy CEO Peter Woodruffe, ISA Chair of Inspections Dai Preston, ISA Head of SEND Hannah Lovegrove Campion, and Early Years & Safeguarding Specialist Sarah Lyons, to unpack the most significant regulatory shifts facing independent schools....

Helen Stanton-Tonner is joined by Michelle Windridge, EYFS and SEND specialist, and National Education Lead at Twinkl , to explore one of the most pressing issues facing school leaders today: the long-term developmental impact of the pandemic on young children. Michelle's work on the so-called "COVID babies" cohort has sparked wide discussion across the sector, and in this conversation, she and He...

School inspection can often feel like a stressful, parallel performance rather than a reflection of everyday school life. In this episode of Independently Speaking, host Helen Stanton-Tonner sits down with headteachers and ISI inspectors Dai Preston and Christina McCullough to demystify the F23 inspection framework and explore how leaders can prepare thoughtfully, strategically, and authentically....

In this episode, Helen Stanton-Tonner is joined by Faith Hagerty, founder of The Acting Head , recorded live at the ISA Annual Conference in May 2026. Faith draws on her background as a trained actor, former headteacher and leadership coach to explore what authenticity really means for school leaders, and why it matters. They discuss imposter syndrome, the pressures facing independent schools, the...

With nearly 50% of independent school pupils coming from ethnic minority backgrounds, why is this diversity not reflected at the governing board level? Johan Jensen and Leah Morris ( Minority Ethnic Governors Network ) join the podcast to challenge the sector to look deeper at school governance. We discuss the dangers of homogenous thinking in leadership, how to move past informal networks, and wh...

In this episode of Independently Speaking, Helen Stanton-Tonner is joined by Justin Spanswick (Chief Operating Officer, Inspired Learning Group ), Henrietta Jordan (Schools' Director, Melrose Education ), and Hannah Lovegrove Campion (Head of SEND, ISA) to explore what the government's white paper, Putting Children and Young People First, means when viewed from the perspective of independent schoo...

In this Spotlight episode of Independently Speaking, Helen Stanton-Tonner visits the legendary Summerhill School , founded in 1921 by A.S. Neill, and meets Zoë Neill Redhead, the principal and daughter of the founder. Discover how Summerhill’s pioneering philosophy of “freedom, not license” shapes a community where students and staff share equal voices, classes are optional, and personal responsib...

This episode is also available as a video on YouTube . What does the white paper, Putting Children and Young People First, mean for specialist provision? In this roundtable episode of Independently Speaking, four experts from the independent sector discuss the Government's proposed SEND reforms, including the new tiered support model, EHCP changes, specialist provision packages, and what genuine i...

In this episode, Helen Stanton-Tonner speaks with Francesca Ellsmoor, Executive Headteacher of Auckland College Independent School in Liverpool, about purpose-driven leadership in independent education. Francesca shares her journey from believing leaders must have all the answers to creating conditions that allow others to thrive. The conversation explores inclusive school culture, innovative appr...

In this episode of Independently Speaking, Helen Stanton-Tonner speaks with Charles Bailey, newly appointed Headmaster at Worksop College and Ranby House. Charles reflects on his leadership journey, from varied roles at Harrow to his first headship, sharing insights on building trust, balancing day-to-day operations with strategic vision, and fostering a strong, values-driven school community. He...

Join us as we take a tour of ArtsEd, a leading performing arts school in London, as we explore how world-class artistic training and strong academics come together to nurture creativity, confidence, and resilience in students. Hear from Head Teacher Peter Middleton about the school’s unique ethos, vibrant student life, and pathways to both stage and career success.

In this episode of Independently Speaking, Helen Stanton-Tonner, ISA Director of Education and Inclusion, is joined by Catrina Lowri, neurodivergent teacher, inclusion consultant, and founder of NeuroTeachers . They explore the vital role of strong partnerships between schools and parents in supporting neurodivergent pupils. Catrina shares insights from her 23+ years of experience, discussing how...

In this episode we visit More Than Ed, a specialist SEMH school in Doncaster supporting just 24 pupils through an exceptional 1:1 staffing model. More Than Ed offers a deeply personalised and flexible approach to education, designed specifically for children with social, emotional and mental health needs. During our visit, we see how the school creates a safe, nurturing environment where each pupi...

In this School Spotlight episode, we visit Beech Lodge School, an innovative and nurturing setting in Maidenhead, specialising in supporting pupils with a range of special educational needs, including social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs. Although recorded before Beech Lodge was named ISA SEND School of the Year 2025, this conversation offers a clear glimpse into the thoughtful practi...

In this episode of Independently Speaking, ISA Director of Education and Inclusion, Helen Stanton-Tonner, speaks with Aldaine Wynter, Director of International Mindedness, Diversity, and Inclusion at Washington International School. Together, they explore how schools can foster genuine inclusion, belonging and community while drawing on experiences from both the UK and international settings. From...

In this episode, we visit Leighton Park School in Berkshire to explore how a values-led independent school is strengthening ties beyond its gates. Joined by Natasha (Tash) Coccia, Senior Assistant Head (Co-Curricular and Partnerships), we delve into how cross-sector collaboration can enhance learning, foster inclusion, and create meaningful community impact. Discover practical insights, inspiring...

In this episode of Independently Speaking, we explore the power of partnerships in education and the unique role independent schools play in supporting the wider community. Julie Robinson, Chief Executive of ISC, and Dr Joe Spence, Chief Executive of the School Partnerships Alliance, join us to discuss how collaboration can create impact, strengthen networks, and give back to schools, students, an...

This week, we spotlight Centre Academy London, an independent special school in Battersea, led by Head of School Michael Jeffrey. The school caters to students aged 11–19 with a range of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including autism, speech and language communication needs, and specific learning difficulties. Centre Academy London emphasises a supportive and inclusive environ...

In this episode of Independently Speaking, Helen Stanton-Turner is joined by Stuart Ayres, Digital Director at Westbourne International School , to explore how cutting-edge technology is transforming teaching and learning across continents. From holographic teaching and real-time global classrooms to neuroscience-backed assessment tools and custom-built AI platforms, Stuart shares how Westbourne i...

In this episode of Independently Speaking, host Helen Stanton-Tonner, ISA Director of Education and Inclusion, is joined by staff from Claires Court School in Maidenhead—a leader in independent school EdTech. Together, they explore how the school embraced digital transformation, the tools they’ve implemented, and how technology is reshaping teaching, STEM education, school operations, and student...

Sophia High School is an accredited British online school, delivering the English National Curriculum for ages 4 to 18. Join us as we sit down with Founder and CEO, Melissa McBride to explore a truly modern school offering daily online lessons with qualified British teachers, small class sizes for personalised learning, and innovative use of technology including VR, AI, and esports. With a strong...

Listen as we reflect on day 2 of our Annual Conference held 7-10 May in Harrogate. This episode features ISA Chair Natasha Dangerfield, who discusses the vital importance of authenticity in the role of a headteacher. In addition, we hear from several of our members as well as some ISA Gold Suppliers who exhibit at our conferences. Hear the latest trends, tools, and tips to help you run your school...

Join us for a recap of the first day of our Annual Conference held 7-10 May in Harrogate. In this episode, hear from ISA CEO, Rudolf Eliott Lockhart, as he discusses what makes our members unique and the benefit that our conferences bring to ISA. In addition, we hear from several of our members as well as some ISA Gold Suppliers who exhibit at our conferences. Hear the latest trends, tools, and ti...

Recorded live at the ISA Annual Conference in Harrogate, this episode features Darren Coxon, founder of Kompass Education, discussing how independent schools can effectively integrate AI. After delivering his keynote speech at the conference, 'Making Room for AI', Darren joined us to unpack large language models (LLMs) and share practical advice on making AI work within the education sector, tailo...