Edufuturists

This episode of the podcast is a big review of some of our most recent episodes and the lessons we have learned from them. The conversation explores the readiness and agility of young people in the face of change, juxtaposed (what a great word, btw!) with scepticism about the future developments and their potential impact. We always speak with hope (just Steve Hope) while acknowledging the challenges and uncertainties ahead.

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Don’t just keep up with the industry - get ahead of it. Check out the video here to find out more and join us for ISE 2026 in Push Beyond, use our special code 'edufuturists' for free registration here

Chapters

00:00 Introductions (and Waffle!)

02:32 Celebrating New Developments and Announcements

06:53 Upcoming Events and Community Engagement

12:57 Reviewing Notable Podcast Episodes

22:44 Exploring the Impact of Educators

28:56 Youth Perspectives on Education Reform

30:46 Confidence and Equity in Education

Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.

Ben & Steve x

Championing those who are making the future of education a reality.

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Get your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2026

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Hilary Leevers and Maddie Dinwoodie from Engineering UK to discuss the importance of engineering education and the upcoming Tomorrow's Engineers Week.

We explore the need for diversity in the engineering workforce, the significance of linking engineering to young people's passions, and the role of education in preparing students for future challenges, including climate change.

The conversation emphasises the importance of resilience, problem-solving skills, and the need to alleviate anxiety in students regarding their educational paths. Together, they unpack how teachers can use the free Tomorrow’s Engineers Week resources to help students see the real-world possibilities of engineering, connect their passions to meaningful careers, and celebrate the power of problem-solving.

Chapters

00:00 Introductions

01:56 Understanding Engineering UK and Its Mission

04:25 The Importance of Engineering in Society

10:02 Tomorrow's Engineers Week

11:56 Dare to Discover

15:26 Connecting Passions to Engineering Careers

17:41 Embedding Engineering in Education

22:33 Preparing for the Future of Work

23:51 Future Skills and Workforce Needs

26:15 Embracing Failure in Education

29:49 Tackling Climate Change through Engineering

33:13 Diversity and Inclusion in Engineering

37:32 Rethinking Education for the Future

TE Week 2025 offers free, ready-to-use resources for teachers including:

• Lesson plans, assemblies, and video case studies
• Hands-on, practical classroom activities
• Real stories from diverse engineers and technicians
• Live Q&A panels where students can ask engineers their own questions

Find out more

EngineeringUK

Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.Ben & Steve xChampioning those who are making the future of education a reality.Follow us on XFollow us on LinkedIn

Follow us on TikTokJoin the WhatsApp CommunityCheck out all about EdufuturistsWant to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?Get in touchGet your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2026

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Sofia Fenichell, the founder of Study Hall AI. The conversation explores Sofia's journey as an entrepreneur in the education sector, her passion for improving literacy through innovative AI solutions, and the importance of fostering agency and passion in learners.

We discuss the challenges of traditional assessment methods and the need for a shift towards more engaging and effective educational practices. Sofia shares insights on the upcoming launch of College Co-Pilot, an AI-driven tool designed to assist students in the college admissions process. The episode concludes with our usual quick-fire questions too.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:23 Sofia's Journey

04:59 The Passion Behind Entrepreneurship

10:41 Introducing Study Hall AI

14:54 AI with Guardrails for Safe Learning

19:43 Fostering Passion and Agency

26:06 Rethinking Assessment

29:30 The Future of Education and AI

33:45 Navigating Assessment Grief

36:35 Innovations in College Admissions

40:22 Final Thoughts and Quickfire Questions

Find out more about StudyHall

Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.

Ben & Steve x

Championing those who are making the future of education a reality.

Follow us on X

Follow us on LinkedIn

Join the WhatsApp Community

Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?

Get in touch

Get your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2026

In this episode of the podcast, we chat with Matt Jessop, a primary school head teacher from the North West of England who have won our Primary School of the Year TWICE!

We discuss the innovative approaches Matt is implementing in his school, particularly in integrating technology and outdoor learning. The conversation digs into the challenges facing the education system, including funding issues, accountability, and the need for systemic change.

Matt makes a big point about the importance of engaging students in their learning and the potential of hybrid education models to better serve diverse learners. The discussion also touches on the role of big tech in education and the necessity for a curriculum that meets the needs of today's students.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:44 Matt's Journey and School Environment

06:11 Innovative Approaches in Primary Education

10:51 Challenges in Education Technology and Funding

15:10 Accountability and the Education System

20:22 The Need for Systemic Change in Education

27:18 The Evolving Skill of Learning to Learn

28:05 Navigating AI and Misinformation

30:12 The Need for Reform

30:51 The Fractured System

32:45 Hybrid Education

36:52 Vouchers and Microschools

39:45 Creativity Over Regurgitation

42:38 The Role of Data

44:07 A Vision for Hybrid Learning

50:22 The Importance of Student Ownership in Learning

Connect with Matt on LinkedIn

Listen to Matt's Joining the Dots podcast

Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.

Ben & Steve x

Championing those who are making the future of education a reality.

Follow us on X

Follow us on LinkedIn

Join the WhatsApp Community

Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?

Get in touch

Get your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2026

In this episode of the podcast, we have a profound conversation with Jaz Ampaw-Farr, an educator and author, about the transformative power of teachers and the importance of human connection in education. Jaz shares her personal journey, highlighting the impact of five key teachers in her life who helped shape her resilience and success. The discussion goes deep into the challenges faced by educators, the need for mental health support, and the importance of building authentic relationships with students. Jaz emphasizes that education should focus on nurturing human skills and preparing students for an uncertain future, advocating for a shift from traditional behaviour policies to relationship-focused approaches in schools.We also dive into her latest book, Because of You, This Is Me. Grab a copyChapters00:00 Introduction01:21 Jaz's Journey and the Role of Teachers04:17 The Power of Five Teachers10:13 Navigating Trauma and Education14:22 Human First, Professional Second18:29 The Challenges of the Education System20:27 Building Relationships in Education24:52 Building Trust in Education28:40 The Importance of Authentic Relationships33:05 Human Skills vs. AI36:45 The Role of Educators in Shaping Lives43:48 Transforming Education Through RelationshipsThanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.Ben & Steve xChampioning those who are making the future of education a reality.Follow us on XFollow us on LinkedInJoin the WhatsApp CommunityCheck out all about EdufuturistsWant to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?Get in touchGet your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2026

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Tasnuva and Ben representing the Youth Shadow Panel to discuss their part in the Shadow Curriculum & Assessment Review. This is the student voice to mirror the UK government's Curriculum & Assessment Review (CAR) led by Professor Becky Francis.Ben & Tasnuva join us as two members of a wider youth panel who represent the voices of 10.5 million children and young people. The panel gathered views from thousands of children and young people through a call for evidence, a national roadshow, school assemblies, and focus groups. Over 200 young people participated in four in-person and two online roadshow workshops, and more than 550 individuals and groups responded to their call.The report sets out 14 key recommendations which reflect the shared view from young people for an education system across four themes: building skills and relevance to life; assessments, mental health and wellbeing; climate, sustainability and citizenship education; and equity and inclusion. The recommendations are published with the hope that the CAR will adopt them in full as part of its final report, due for publication in autumn 2025, and that they will be implemented by the Department for Education thereafter.Chapters00:00 Introductions00:57 Meet the Youth Shadow Panel05:02 The Role of Youth in Education Reform10:13 Key Recommendations from the Youth Shadow Panel14:47 The Importance of Life Skills and Enrichment20:00 Rethinking Assessment and Mental Health25:02 The Future of Education and AI29:47 The Role of Citizenship in Education34:11 Outdoor Learning and Its Importance37:12 Political Literacy and Youth Engagement38:19 Creating Equitable and Inclusive Education45:17 The Future of Education ReformRead the full reportShow your support by adding your endorsement for the reportThanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.Ben & Steve xChampioning those who are making the future of education a reality.Follow us on XFollow us on LinkedInJoin the WhatsApp CommunityCheck out all about EdufuturistsWant to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?Get in touchGet your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2026

In this episode of the podcast, we chat with the wonderful Gwyn ap Harri, the CEO of XP Trust, to explore innovative educational practices and the importance of character building in schools. One of Gwyn's schools, XP Gateshead won Edufuturists Secondary School of the Year 2025.

Gwyn discusses the concept of 'crew' as a foundational element of XP Trust's approach, emphasising the need for a shared language and community engagement. The conversation goes down lots of rabbit holes into the significance of curriculum design that connects students to their local history and culture, fostering civic pride and a sense of belonging.

He also shares insights on the future of education, advocating for a shift towards valuing character alongside academic achievements, drawing lots of inspiration from schools like High Tech High and Expeditionary Learning.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:06 Journey to XP Trust

02:07 Inspiration from High Tech High

07:00 The Concept of Crew in Education

12:21 Building Relationships Through Crew

17:15 Curriculum Integration and Expeditions

22:17 Community Engagement and Education

23:13 The Importance of Local Context in Education

24:34 Empowering Working-Class Voices

26:14 Dignity and Identity in Education

28:51 Inspiring Change Makers

30:57 Navigating Compliance and Creativity in Education

34:36 Inevitability of Change in Education

38:02 Humility and Impact in Educational Leadership

40:23 Quickfire Questions and Reflections

Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.

Ben & Steve x

Championing those who are making the future of education a reality.

Follow us on X

Follow us on LinkedIn

Join the WhatsApp Community

Check out all about Edufuturists

Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?

Get in touch

Get your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2026

In this episode of the Edufuturists podcast, we talk to Kathryn McColl and Brogan Pierce from Hark about their Listen Up Report, which uncovers why confidence drops during key school transitions, who’s most affected, and what educators and employers can do to close the gap. Nearly 1 in 3 young people in the UK lack confidence - a hidden barrier to learning, career opportunities, and life chances. This isn’t just about shyness. It’s about a systemic issue that shapes learning, limits life chances, and affects the future workforce. Together, we explore The “Unheard Third” - who they are, and why they’re being overlooked, as well as why confidence often plummets during school transitions. We dive into how low confidence keeps young people from speaking up, joining in, or taking opportunities and what schools, employers, and communities can do to create emotionally safe, empowering spaces. Kathryn and Brogan share stories from the report, unpack the role of gender, background, and region in shaping confidence, and show how practical interventions, from classroom culture to early employer engagement, can change the game. This is a values-driven, action-focused conversation for educators, school leaders, businesses, and anyone committed to building a more inclusive future for young people. Chapters00:00 Introduction01:41 Understanding Hark and the Listen Up Report02:47 The Importance of Confidence in Young People10:15 The Impact of Lack of Confidence on Behaviour19:44 Disparities in Confidence Among Different Groups25:58 Exploring the Causes of the Confidence Crisis44:09 Practical Solutions for Building Confidence50:55 Quickfire Questions and Closing ThoughtsYou can download the Listen Up report hereAbout Hark Hark works with schools, businesses, and brands to build the confidence, skills, and inclusion young people need to thrive - through research, national programmes, and real-world experiences. Find out moreThanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.Ben & Steve xChampioning those who are making the future of education a reality.Follow us on X

Follow us on LinkedInCheck out all about EdufuturistsWant to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?Get in touch

In this episode, hosts Steve Hope and Ben Whitaker look into the evolving landscape of education. We discuss the challenges and opportunities in creating inclusive and diverse learning environments, the role of AI in education, and the importance of community engagement. The conversation also touches on the need for a curriculum that adapts to the needs of all students and the significance of teacher and tutor roles in the age of technology.

Chapters

00:00 Celebrating Community and Events

04:06 Reflecting on Past Guests and Themes

05:21 Rethinking Education and Curriculum

09:27 The Role of AI in Tutoring

12:07 Equity and Inclusion in Education

15:16 Making Learning Real and Engaging

19:44 Presence Over Attendance in Education

20:08 Rethinking Attendance in Education

23:31 Engagement vs. Attendance: A Deeper Look

26:24 Social Class and Educational Equity

28:11 Community and Its Role in Education

32:54 AI Literacy: Bridging the Gap

35:34 Looking Ahead: Future Trends in Education

Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.Ben & Steve xChampioning those who are making the future of education a reality.Follow us on XFollow us on LinkedInJoin the WhatsApp CommunityCheck out all about EdufuturistsWant to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?Get in touchGet your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2026

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Jeremy Samways, who discusses his journey from marketing to education, focusing on the importance of AI literacy for students. Jeremy is the founder and a trustee of Your Tomorrow, an innovative charity dedicated to bridging the gap between education and the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence.

With a strong communications and consultancy background and over a decade of experience working closely with the FE sector, Jeremy offers unique insights into AI’s transformative potential for students and educators.

Jeremy leads Your Tomorrow in delivering impactful and innovative workshops and training programmes designed to demystify AI, equipping young people and educators with the critical skills for a future profoundly shaped by AI.

Jeremy shares insights on the workshops he conducts, the development of the AI Literacy Launchpad, and the need for students to be prepared for a rapidly changing job market influenced by AI. The conversation emphasises the significance of student engagement, the ethical implications of AI, and the necessity for educators to adapt to new technologies while fostering critical human skills.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

03:22 The Influence of AI on Education

06:11 Workshops and AI Literacy for Students

09:10 The Role of Educators in AI Literacy

12:22 The Need for AI Literacy Frameworks

15:11 The Future of Work and AI's Impact

18:26 AI Literacy as a Long-Term Strategy

27:10 The Future of AI and Youth Engagement

36:41 AI Literacy Launchpad: A New Educational Framework

50:22 Quickfire Questions

Find out more about Your Tomorrow

Get in touch with Jeremy and the team

And for a quick LaunchPad video intro

Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.Ben & Steve xChampioning those who are making the future of education a reality.Follow us on XFollow us on LinkedInCheck out all about EdufuturistsWant to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?Get in touch