The Pursuit of Wellbeing

Fixing a Broken System with Andy Mellor

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At what point are we going to say “the sticking plaster approach is no longer going to hold together a system that’s fundamentally broken”?

Andy Mellor has over 30 year's experience teaching and leading in the state education system in England.

He is a Past President of the NAHT [National Association of Headteachers] and is currently the National Wellbeing Director for the Schools Advisory Service, leading their National Wellbeing Partnership.


In this episode, Andy doesn't pull any punches. It is FULL of practical advice on how to make a positive difference in your school, within a system he believes is fundamentally broken. He shares:  

  • how the “whatever it takes” culture comes at a price, in terms of children’s mental health and staff mental health, and that is a price we can no longer afford to pay
  • why we need to recalibrate how we understand the role of education
  • how, when we look after ourselves and our children’s wellbeing, standards and results will naturally improve by huge gains
  • the keys to a thriving education system: a sense of purpose and autonomy and giving staff freedom to develop the whole child, with examples of schools where this is working well
  • how and why we need to move away from the "attainment at all costs" culture 
  • what he did as a headteacher to move his school from 'requires improvement' to 'outstanding' in 2 years.
  • and much more!

    • You can connect with Andy:

    The Schools Advisory Service website 

    On Twitter @andymellor64

    LinkedIn - Andy Mellor

    Other mentions in this podcast:

    Kagan Structures 

    ABC - agree, build on and challenge.

    James Nottingham’s learning pit 

    The Leo Trust

    Mellor Primary School  

    Jim Nicholson, president of Northwest NAHT @Jimnich1

    Geelong Grammar

    Positive Psychology

    Connect with Pursuit:

    Find out more about our 5-Step Wellbeing Action Plan online course.
    Connect with Maria on Twitter @MariaBrosnan

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