The Schools North East Podcast

In this episode, we explore inclusion and SEND reform through the lens of learner need rather than diagnostic labels. Joined by James Waller, Head Teacher of Sunningdale School and a leading voice in specialist education, we discuss what it really means to understand how children learn, and how schools and policymakers can design provision that truly fits the individual.

In this episode, we take a deeper look at emotional intelligence not as a buzzword, but as a practical and essential tool for leadership, communication and culture in schools. We're joined by Kate Chisholm, Executive Head Teacher at Smart Academy Trust. Together, we explore why emotional intelligence sits at the heart of effective leadership, especially in a system that can often feel pressured, f...

Opportunity is often discussed in abstract terms, but in schools, it is lived every day. In this episode, we're joined by Jonathan Noble, primary teacher, senior leader and Careers Lead at Shiremoor Primary School, working in a community shaped by high deprivation and long-standing employment challenges. As a NECA Careers Champion and Specialist Leader of Education, Jonathan is helping to show tha...

RGS Newcastle is redefining what school partnerships can achieve. John Smith and Geoffrey Stanford share how their model connects 100+ state schools across the North East, reaching over 10,000 young people, tackling structural inequalities, and creating lasting impact. This conversation challenges assumptions, showing how collaboration — not charity — can strengthen education for everyone.

In 2019, Norham High School was in crisis: rated Inadequate twice, in Special Measures, facing a £2.2m deficit and serving one of the most deprived communities in England. In this episode, Head Teacher Terry Conway shares how he led a remarkable turnaround, rebuilding leadership, culture and trust to transform Norham into an Ofsted Good, financially secure, oversubscribed school, now recognised by...

Education is entering another period of major change, the new Ofsted framework, curriculum review and the highly anticipated white paper are all putting schools under intense pressure. Amid the noise, one question keeps surfacing: how do we know what really works in classrooms — and who decides? In this episode, we explore a North East pilot from Education Durham and WhatWorked Education that flip...

In this episode, James Connolly, Howden’s Head of AI & Advanced Analytics and soon-to-be Chief Data Officer for Reinsurance, cuts through the AI hype with practical lessons schools can use now. Drawing on policing and insurance, James shows how to spot patterns early, manage risk sensibly, and build a responsible data culture where technology supports people, not replaces them. We unpack emerg...

In this special episode of the Schools North East Podcast, we take a step away from our usual conversations to bring you an inspiring keynote from one of the most influential figures in education – Les Walton CBE. Access the slides he's referring to throughout the podcast, here. As the founder of Schools North East, Les’s vision and determination helped create the UK’s first regional schools netwo...

This week on the Schools North East Podcast, we meet Becky Jackson, Head Teacher of Cragside Primary School, to talk about what happens when creativity and compassion sit at the heart of leadership. Becky shares the story behind Cragside’s transformation – from achieving Outstanding in all five Ofsted areas to winning the TES Award for Excellence in Creative Arts – and discusses how schools can “p...

What does it really mean to lead in education today? In this episode, we speak with Nick Blackburn, MBE, CEO of Lingfield Education Trust and Chair of North East Wellbeing, about how true leadership goes far beyond the school gates. From tackling child mental health and building trauma-informed schools to pioneering community-based support through projects like Zone West, Nick shares how partnersh...

School attendance is more than just numbers—it shapes children’s learning, wellbeing, and future opportunities. In this episode of the Schools North East Podcast, we sit down with Hilary Robinson, Attendance Lead at Nicholas Post Catholic Academy Trust, and Angela McCann, Head Teacher at Saint Alphonsus Catholic Primary School, to explore how they’re tackling attendance challenges head-on. From ea...

Around one in three children start reception not ‘school ready,’ impacting teachers, families, and long-term outcomes. In this episode, we explore what school readiness really means and why early years education and child development are so critical.  Our guests (Anna Hughes, Head of Early Years, and Alex Armstrong, Head Teacher) from Bloemfontein Primary share how they’ve created a birth-to-11 st...

In the final episode of the 2024/25 academic year, we’re joined by Nick Hurn OBE, who never planned to be a teacher—but 40 years later, he’s leaving a legacy across North East schools. From bin man to CEO of the region’s largest Catholic trust, Nick shares the lessons, challenges, and stories that have defined his career—and what he believes our schools and system still urgently need. Expect strai...

In this episode, we sit down with Julie Deville, founding CEO of Extol Trust, as she reflects on over 40 years of championing children, colleagues, and communities across the North East. From starting out as a nursery nurse, to leading one of the region’s most respected trusts, Julie shares lessons on leadership, what still needs to change in the system, and why education remains the best job in t...

In this episode of the Schools North East Podcast, we dive into Magic Movers, an innovative programme bringing together creativity, movement, and community to improve school readiness for our youngest learners. Magic Movers helps children develop physical coordination, emotional resilience, and early learning skills while building stronger links between schools, families, and communities. But it’s...

In this episode of the Schools North East Podcast, we speak with Andy Brown, CEO of Ad Astra Academy Trust, about his 47-year journey in education and the strategic leadership needed to guide a multi-academy trust through both growth and challenge. Andy shares insights on: Leading with purpose across diverse school communities Developing internal leadership pipelines and planning for succession Ta...

In this episode, we celebrate Steve Stringer’s remarkable 40-year career as caretaker at North Fawdon Primary School. Originally planning to stay only five years, Steve began in December 1986 at age 19 and has since become a fixture of the school and local community.   Known for his exceptional dedication, Steve maintained near-perfect attendance over four decades, missing just five weeks due to a...

In a region where many children face significant challenges, schools are rising to the occasion—thanks to passionate, skilled educators. However, teacher shortages are reaching crisis levels, with recruitment targets missed across most subjects and a sharp drop in new primary trainees. In this episode, we spotlight three sisters—an Executive Head, Head Teacher, and Deputy Head—who’ve each dedicate...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Nicola Taylor, Director of SEND at Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust, to explore how the trust has responded to the dramatic 50% increase in students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) over the past two years. Nicola shares the trust's innovative, data-driven strategies to tackle rising speech and language deficits post-pandemic,...

How do schools truly connect with parents beyond the usual events and newsletters? In this episode of the Schools North East Podcast, we sit down with Jonathan Booth, headteacher of Warkworth Primary School, to explore the real challenges and opportunities in parental engagement. From his experiences in inner-city Newcastle to rural Northumberland, Jonathan shares hard-earned lessons on breaking d...

In this episode of the North East Schools Podcast, we explore how Hudson Road Primary's Additionally Resourced Provision, known as The Harbour, is redefining support for pupils with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs. The Harbour offers a nurturing, inclusive environment that fosters growth and belonging. Head Teachers Cathy Westgate and Donna Walker share their insights into the co...

In this episode of the Schools North East podcast, we explore the unique pressures facing rural schools in the North East, from financial struggles and declining pupil numbers to the ongoing SEND crisis. Paul Rickard, CEO of the Durham and Newcastle Diocesan Learning Trust, shares firsthand insights into the severe budgetary constraints that have led to 22 staff reductions in the past year. Managi...

In this episode of the Schools North East Podcast, we sit down with Phil Latham, Chief Executive of Endeavour Academies, to explore his 27-year journey in education and his mission to rethink how schools address the challenges of today. From leading Macmillan Academy to shaping policy as a National Leader of Education and advisory board member, Phil shares how his experiences have inspired innovat...

Join us for a special episode recorded live at the Schools North East AGM, where we sit down with Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, and Mark Tilling, Head Teacher of High Tunstall College of Science. Together, we explore the importance of inclusion in education, celebrate successes, and discuss the challenges schools face as they strive to support every student. Looking ahead to the r...

In this insightful episode of The School's North East Podcast, we are joined by two remarkable guests: Ziauddin Yousafzai, education activist and father of Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, and Dr. Dan Jackson, renowned historian and author of The Northumbrians. Together, they explore the power of education in transforming societies, the importance of preserving regional history, and the ongoing fi...