The Schools North East Podcast

From Policy to Practice: Re-thinking What Works in Schools

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 flips the evidence model on its head. Teachers led small, low-burden classroom trials to test what works for their pupils, in their own contexts.... without extra workload or external researchers.
 
You can read the full report here.

Preparing Schools for an AI-Driven World: What’s Coming and How to Make the Most of It

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 emerging liabilities, hidden data flows, and ethical blind spots that can catch schools out; and set out simple steps to navigate them with confidence.
You’ll take away: how to ask the right questions about how you use AI; the basics of safe data governance; low-risk use cases that reduce workload; red-flag risks to escalate; and a realistic first 12-month outline plan for AI adoption.

The Power of Collaboration: Les Walton CBE on Strengthening the Voice of Education

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 network. Over his remarkable career, he’s also shaped national education through his work with the Northern Education Trust, Northern Education Associates, and the Association of Education Advisers.In his keynote, “The Power of Collaboration: Strengthening the Voice of Education in Challenging Times,” Les explores why the future of education lies not in top-down reform, but in schools themselves – rooted in their communities, working collectively, and leading with confidence on the national stage.It’s a powerful message for a moment of immense challenge – and opportunity – for schools across the North East and beyond. Listen now.

Schools at the Heart of Community: Becky Jackson on Creativity, Inclusion and Wellbeing

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 “poverty proof” learning, nurture inclusion, and protect staff wellbeing.An honest, uplifting conversation about leadership, community, and the difference one school can make.

Leadership Beyond the School Gates with Nick Blackburn MBE

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 partnership between schools, families, and communities can transform children’s lives.This powerful conversation explores how compassion, connection, and courage are redefining what it means to be a school leader in the North East — and beyond.🎙️ Key themes:
Whole-child education and wellbeing
Social prescribing and early intervention
Trauma-informed leadership
Collaboration between education, health, and community sectors
Tune in to hear how leadership rooted in care can build a stronger, more connected future for every child.
For more information on 'Zone West', click here.
For more information on Schools North East, click here to visit our website.

Attendance Matters: How NPCAT is Closing the Gap

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 early intervention and family support to rewards, collaboration, and building a culture of consistency, they share the strategies that are making a real difference for students in the North East. We also unpack the wider social factors—from mental health and poverty to high pupil mobility—that schools face today.Whether you’re an educator, school leader, or simply curious about how schools can turn attendance around, this episode offers practical insights, inspiring stories, and actionable takeaways for improving outcomes for every child.

Better Start, Better Journey: Rethinking Early Years with Bloemfontein Primary School

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 strategy, opening a new nursery and providing year-round early years provision to support parents and carers. We discuss the importance of language, communication, and core life skills, as well as the role schools can play in closing the attainment gap, reducing social disadvantage, and helping every child thrive.
If you’re a school leader, an early years professional, or simply someone who cares about the future of our youngest learners, this is a conversation not to be missed.
 
Find out more about Schools North East by visiting the website - click here.

From Bins to Boardrooms: Nick Hurn's 40-Year Journey

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 straight-talking insights on funding, practical advice for future leaders, and a glimpse at what’s next for someone who doesn’t sit still.
Tune in to hear how unexpected paths can change lives—and how chance became a calling. Brew up, buckle in, and join us as we celebrate Nick’s extraordinary journey.
Click here to find out more from our sponsor, Howden.Click here to find our more about Schools North East.

Keep your Heads, Heels and Standards High: Lessons from Julie Deville

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 the world.
 
Find out more about Schools North East - click here.

Magic Movers: Building Skills, Building Community

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 not just about the children; it’s about working closely with parents and carers, giving them the confidence and tools to support their child’s development at home.
We’re joined by four fantastic guests who have been instrumental in shaping and delivering Magic Movers:
Rob Harker, Head Teacher at Carville Primary School
Gill Gray, Senior Partnership and Innovation Officer at Wallsend Children’s Community
Sarah Wilson, Hellcats Cheerdance
Kate Lockhart, Co-Founder and Creative Director at Little Big Mouth Theatre in Education CIC
Tune in to explore how this collaboration started, what it looks like in practice, the difference it’s making, and what other schools and communities can learn from this powerful partnership.
Find out more about Schools North east by clicking here.