Flourishing Leaders, Flourishing Systems

This episode wraps up Flourishing Trust Network Event 4, bringing together key themes and insights from Sinéad McBrearty (CEO, Education Support), Jackie Grubb (CEO, City College Plymouth), and trust leaders across the network.

It highlights staff wellbeing and sustainable leadership, focusing on workforce pressures and creating supportive, thriving environments.

Andy Wolfe (Interim CEO, National Society for Education for the Church of England and the Church in Wales), reflecting on the leadership of Jesus and the importance of wisdom, compassion and care, was an anchor for the day.

This podcast wrap-up was pure energy! Ezra and Jesse didn’t just host, they took over. From leading interviews to driving the entire conversation, they made this final NSLN 2025–26 event podcast a blast.

They even edited me in, using my voice for the intro and outro, from a previous podcast, so I just hit upload! It was an honour to be led entirely by them and the Inspire Trust media team. Their leadership lit up the whole community on the day and through the podcast.

Welcome to this wrap-up episode from the Flourishing Trust Network Residential - a space where leaders came together to explore AI, education, and what it truly means for young people to flourish.

Across the residential, a rich range of perspectives were shared.

In this episode, we bring together three key voices:

Sir Anthony Seldon, Dr Lynn Swaner, and Oyinda Omole. Through their insights, we explore what it means to be fully human in an age of rapid change, how we lead with wisdom and integrity, and why listening deeply matters more than ever.

This conversation invites us to reflect on the future of education - and the kind of leadership needed to help young people not just succeed, but truly flourish.

In this episode, we reflect on the National Secondary Leaders Network’s 21 January event, exploring how schools can be beacons of hope through inclusive curriculum and strong pupil voice.

Hear from Geoff Barton on why oracy matters, and Lesley Nelson-Addy on inclusive literature and belonging, alongside school leaders sharing what they’re taking back into their own contexts.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Lynn Swaner, President of Cardus U.S., for a rich conversation on what it means for schools and leaders to truly flourish.

Drawing from her book Flourishing Together, Lynn shares insights on Christian education, leadership, and advancing the common good. She also shares several valuable recommendations for further exploration:

On Christian Teaching⁠ by David Smith

Our podcast episode with David Smith on hospitality, curiosity and navigating difference

Resources from ⁠Cardus⁠

Digical Education⁠, a podcast hosted by Erik Ellefsen featuring conversations with innovative educator leaders.

A must-listen for anyone passionate about faith, education,and flourishing communities.

In this inspiring episode of Flourishing Leaders, Flourishing Schools, we talk with Andy Wolfe, Executive Director of Education for the National Society of Education for the Church of England and the Church in Wales and explore why Our Hope for a Flourishing School System and Flourishing Together are more important than ever.

Andy unpacks the five domains of flourishing: Purpose, Relationships, Learning, Well-Being, and Resources, offering practical strategies for school leaders to foster meaningful change.

This episode is a call to action for building thriving school communities, from school audits to leadership conversations and collaborative practices.

At its heart, it’s about human flourishing for every member of the school ecosystem.

Tune in, be inspired, and continue leading and flourishing.

In this episode, we speak with Sean Harris, an internationally recognised leader in the fight against educational inequality. Sean shares insights from his work as a researcher at Teesside University and co-author of the upcoming book Tackling Poverty and Disadvantage in Schools.

We explore place-based change in schools and curriculum design tailored to the realities of poverty.

Episode Description:
Join hosts Alysia-Lara Ayonrinde, National Education Leader for Racial Justice, Lorraine Prince, Head of Network, and Kiera Phyo, Director, Reconciling Leaders Network, in conversation with Dr. David Smith—Director of the Kuyers Institute, Coordinator of the de Vries Institute, Professor at Calvin University, and Editor of the International Journal of Christianity and Education.

Together, they explore how hospitality and curiosity can shape safer, more meaningful spaces for navigating difference in education and beyond.

Reflection:
How might you foster hospitality and curiosity in your own context?

Guests:

Rev. Dr. Sharon Prentis – Director, Racial Justice Unit, Church of England

Alysia-Lara Ayonrinde – National Education Lead for Racial Justice & Schools Project Lead for Reconciliation, Church of England.

Host:

Lorraine Prince - Head of Networks, Church of England.

Episode Description:

In this heartfelt episode of Heroes of Hope, host Lorraine Prince speaks with Rev. Dr. Sharon Prentis and Alysia-Lara Ayonrinde, two leaders shaping the Church of England’s work on racial justice and reconciliation. Together, they unpack the vision and purpose behind Heroes of Hope—a resource designed to inspire, educate, and empower through storytelling and lived experience.

They explore the real-life impact of this work in schools, and how educators can use Heroes of Hope to foster empathy, dialogue, and resilience in young learners.

Highlights include:

Why?

Why Heroes of Hope was created, and the specific need it addresses for children and educators seeking to navigate issues of identity, justice, and belonging.

What?

A look at the stories, themes, and voices included in the book—highlighting the diverse expressions of hope and courage that reflect the lived realities of young people across the globe.

How?

Practical insights on how schools can embed Heroes of Hope into the curriculum, using it as a tool for meaningful conversations and cross-disciplinary learning.

Tune in for an inspiring and practical conversation that brings faith, education, and justice into powerful alignment.

We have an exciting two-segment episode featuring three

In Segment 1, we are joined by Patricia Shaw, CEO of Beyond Reach Consulting Limited, and a globally recognised expert in AI ethics, policy, and governance, along with Dr. Michael Burdett, Associate Professor of Theology at the University of Nottingham. They will be discussing the critical topics of AI, ethics, and faith.

In Segment 2, we welcome the Bishop of Oxford, Rt Revd Dr. Steven Croft, a founding board member for the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation. Recently, Bishop Steven was interviewed by pupils aged 10 to 14, where he addressed their insightful questions about AI and faith.

We hope you enjoy this engaging and thought-provoking