Teachers Talk Radio

In this show, Tim sits down with Simon Lightman, teacher, philosopher, researcher, and the driving force behind a cross-sector open letter to Parliament calling for curriculum renewal. Together, they ask one of the most pressing questions facing schools today: can education really afford to keep treating sustainability as an optional extra?

Industrial action at Llantwit Major High School has brought issues of workload, behaviour and funding into sharp focus. The NASUWT has raised concerns about staff safety, excessive workload and working conditions, while school leaders and the local authority point to financial pressures, falling pupil numbers and ongoing negotiations. In this show, we speak to a NASUWT representative Sharron Daly...

In this week's show, Claudia Tumba and Martin Sketchley chat about what job English teachers should consider when applying to work in South Korea.

The panel (JP, Rae Whitehouse, Lucy Trimnell, Yasmin Omar and Tom Rogers) explore various stories emerging from the upcoming NASUWT annual conference. Reports of rising violence in schools – and claims that incidents are being under-reported or even discouraged – have sparked serious concern across the profession. The NASUWT warns that some teachers face regular physical injury, while inconsistent...

On 13th March, Sir Martyn Oliver defended robust criticism from many in the profession that the new OFSTED framework unfairly penalises schools in disadvantaged areas. He says context should not trump outcomes. Tony talks to his guests about their opinions on the comments and the framework.

Join Chris as he explores the vulnerability of putting yourself out there in teaching, from applying for promotions to stepping into leadership roles. This episode reflects on the discomfort, self-doubt, and awkwardness that can come with being seen differently by colleagues, and why these moments often matter more than we realise.

From a young age, we are constantly exposed to depictions of teachers in books, films and TV series: the nurturing Miss Honey, the chaotic maverick Dewey Finn, the firm-but-wise Mr Feeny… but how accurate - or constructive - are these depictions when it comes to understanding the real people inside the profession? The Morning Break team are back to talk shop - join the conversation!

What can Zelda teach us about learning? Listen in for more about gamification and teaching and learning.

Who really decides what our students learn and why? In this episode, I’m joined by Stephanie Martin to unpack one of the most pressing questions in international education: Whose curriculum is it anyway? Together, we explore the global dominance of Western education models and what this means for identity, culture, and power in schools around the world. Are these curricula a gateway to opportunity...

Christopher talks with infant school headteacher Simon Sharp about the differences between English schools and international schools; the importance of outdoor learning for infants; and the government's latest proposals for inclusion.

Join Michael Wright for the Sunday Lunch Show with special guest Natasha Chalk, as they discuss the importance of building and maintaining relationships over systems, how to develop good relationships with staff and students and what to look out for if both relationships break down in school systems.

Louise Marie speaks to Patrick Cozier about effective leadership at all levels. What it looks and feels like, the research behind this, how this ties into culture and implications for CPD!

Darren looks at research into why children feel they benefit most from peer support during school transition.

Dave is joined by Dr Scott Swain to discuss his recently completed PhD on how dealing with student mental health and well being is affecting teachers' mental health, the problems this is presenting for the profession and what solutions his research points to in order to keep teachers from stress burn out. 

Edmund Barnett-Ward was on the Points of View panel to discuss Ofsted’s conduct following the tragic death of headteacher Ruth Perry. Have lessons truly been learned?

Schools serving the most disadvantaged communities are significantly more likely to be marked down on achievement under the current inspection framework but is that a reflection of outcomes, or a flaw in the system? New analysis from TES suggests schools with higher proportions of pupils eligible for free school meals are far less likely to receive top grades for achievement. Ofsted’s Chief Inspec...

Tim Smale speaks with men’s coach Ryan Parke about why male wellbeing often goes unspoken, the role of hormones like testosterone, and stark suicide and health statistics for men. They explore practical, evidence‑based strategies - diet, sleep, exercise, vitamin D, and reduced alcohol - that can improve mental and physical health, and discuss how teachers and schools can better support boys and ma...

Louise Marie meets with Mr Metacognition, Nathan Burns, to discuss what metacognition actually is, the research underpinning it, classroom strategies, curriculum design and CPD!

Parent Ellie Miles and SEND campaigner Paul Ridley join Tony for an honest discussion about the current issues in SEND and their opinions on the reforms recently announced by the government.

I really did have a shocker of a week. Let's talk it out. Join me.

Teacher wellbeing has fallen to its lowest level since 2019, according to the 2025 Teacher Wellbeing Index from Education Support. The findings paint a stark picture across the profession: 76% of education staff report feeling stressed, while 36% are at risk of probable clinical depression. Almost half (49%) say their working environment negatively affects their mental health, and 40% feel they ne...

In this week's show, Claudia Tumba and Martin Sketchley are joined with Maiah Hollander chat about life as an expat English language teacher with some tips for making it rewarding and successful.

There are lots of things about teaching that are challenging, its tiring and there things that don’t get acknowledged or talked about. But why do we still stay? Clearly there's some really good stuff is happening too. Let’s talk about that, because we love the optimism! In today's show, Seema will be joined by her colleague Chiara Minestrelli, breakdancer turned Senior Lecturer.

Join Chris as he explores the hidden side of teaching in his first of the Highlighting Vulnerabilities in Teaching series. In this episode, he reflects on the need to be liked in the classroom, sharing honest insights from his own experience and the balance between connection and authority.

Host Tom speaks with Nigel Miller, CEO of Active Learning Group, about how outdoor education ranging from forest school and bushcraft to coastal coasteering and mountain expeditions supports student wellbeing, resilience and personal growth. They discuss practical benefits for teachers and pupils, inclusive facilitation, residential experiences, cost-effective ways to get started, and where to fin...