James pulls back the curtain on building AI agents for HR, finance and governance, why "policy" and "strategy" aren't the same thing, and the one question every leadership team should be asking before they buy another platform. We also get into the accessibility and SEND angle that most schools are missing, and why treating your AI tools like an employee (reviews included) might be the smartest move you make this year.

If you're making decisions about tech in your school or you're worried you're already behind, this is the conversation you don't want to skip.

In this episode, we sit down with Russell Dalton, a Chief Operations Officer with over 20 years' experience across maintained schools and multi-academy trusts, for an honest, no-fluff conversation about what it really takes to lead in education right now. Russell doesn't hold back on the topics most people only whisper about: imposter syndrome, the loneliness of the role, and why so many School Business Managers are quietly burning out while trying to be everything to everyone.

We talk about:

• Why "no two roles are the same" and how to get taken seriously as an equal on the leadership team
• The real reason networking feels risky, and why silence is costing you more than you think
• How to build strategic thinking into a day that's constantly on fire
• What AI means for the future of the role (and why it's not the threat you think)
• Russell's own admission of a "wobble" and what it taught him about asking for help

If you've ever walked into a room full of other school leaders and quietly wondered if you belonged there, this episode is your reminder: you're not the only one. And the people who figure that out early are the ones who stop carrying it all alone.

🎧 Don't miss this one. Every School Business Manager who's ever felt isolated in the role needs to hear what Russell has to say. Because the leaders already tapped into a network like this are the ones adapting faster, deciding with more confidence, and burning out less. Listen now, and if it resonates, share it with a colleague who's carrying more than they should be carrying alone.

In this episode, Caroline Parker, a Headteacher at a one-form entry primary school in Cheltenham with 37% of pupils on the SEN register, pulls back the curtain on how she took a school firefighting daily behaviour incidents and transformed it into one running three distinct, flexible SEN pathways built around a simple mantra: stage, not age.

This isn't theory. It's a real story of trial, error, and bravery — from turning a stationery cupboard into a classroom, to swapping a headteacher's desk for calmer pupils, to the data that proves it's working: attendance jumping from 30% to 80%, and pupils making two years of progress in six months.

You'll hear:

• How the three pathways (Flourish, Elevate and Empower) were designed and why
• The real, practical hurdles of staffing, space and timetabling in a one-form entry school
• How to bring parents on board
• The one culture question every school leader needs to ask themselves before attempting this

If you're a school leader wrestling with SEN provision right now, this is the conversation you can't afford to miss — packed with practical, tested advice you won't hear anywhere else.

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Tom shares practical advice from his experience in the classroom, covering why behaviour should often be understood as communication, how ECTs can build positive relationships with pupils, and why support from SENCOs, mentors, teaching assistants and wider school staff is so important.

The conversation also explores adapting lessons for pupils with additional needs, working with parents, managing challenging behaviour without taking it personally, and helping ECTs protect their wellbeing while they develop their practice.

This episode is ideal for ECTs, mentors, SENCOs, school leaders and anyone supporting new teachers as they build confidence in the classroom.

With nearly 30 years of experience in education, Ashley shares practical advice, insights and strategies to help ECTs build confidence, develop professionally and take control of their teaching careers.

Having held subject, phase and whole-school leadership responsibilities across areas including PE, Art, Assessment, Teaching & Learning, and Behaviour, Ashley brings a wealth of knowledge to this discussion.In this session, we cover:

• How to choose the right school as an ECT

• Tips for staying organised and maintaining a healthy work–life balance

• Understanding the role of your ECT mentor and building a strong professional relationship

• Ashley’s personal recommendations for books, blogs and podcasts every ECT should explore

• Practical advice on proactively shaping your ECT journey

This roundtable is ideal for newly qualified teachers and ECTs in their first year who want guidance, reassurance and actionable advice for a successful start to their teaching career.

Originally recorded: 8th May 2024

In this session, Carl explores how to lead with clarity and purpose, build strong relationships across your team and create a culture where both staff and pupils can truly thrive. Drawing on his experience transitioning from a one-form to a three-form entry school, he offers actionable strategies that senior leaders can apply straight away.

In this roundtable, we cover:

• Stepping up into Headship in a larger school setting

• Establishing a clear strategic vision while valuing existing strengths

• Maintaining clarity and consistency across a large staff team

• Building staff buy-in and aligning your senior leadership team

• Creating a culture of professional growth and development

• Strengthening relationships with parents and the wider community

• The value of external perspectives and working with advisers

• Key leadership lessons from the first 12 months in post

Whether you are a Headteacher, Deputy Head, Senior Leader or Trust Executive, this discussion offers practical guidance to help you lead change with confidence while bringing your whole team with you.

Watch now and take away clear strategies for leading change, strengthening team alignment and creating a school culture where everyone can flourish.

Drawing on real leadership experience, Luke discusses:

• Getting staff buy-in during periods of change

• Why relationships and visibility matter more than initiatives

• Using clear systems to improve behaviour and attendance

• Rebuilding parental trust through transparency and over-communication

• Listening to student voice — and acting on it

• Supporting staff wellbeing while maintaining high standards

This conversation is ideal for Headteachers, senior leaders and trust leaders looking for realistic, experience-led approaches to improving culture across their schools.