Joining the Dots

In this thought-provoking episode of Joining the Dots, Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop are joined by global education innovator and learner-centred strategist Carla Aerts. With decades of experience in EdTech, AI, and digital learning, Carla brings a passionate, challenging, and compassionate lens to the big question: what is education really for?

🧠 From soft skills (or rather, “power skills”) to digital equity, learner agency, neuroplasticity, and the troubling persistence of high-stakes testing, this episode is a tour de force through the most pressing issues facing education today. The trio tackle:

Why education should be the catalyst for children’s potential, not just a pathway to employment

The hidden dangers of retrofit EdTech and surface-level AI use in schools

Why teachers must be supported to experiment safely with AI, not excluded by fear or poor infrastructure

The critical need for curriculum reform beyond political cycles — and why tweaking around the edges won’t do

How teaching kids about how their brains work can supercharge motivation and learning

The growing assessment crisis, and why we should stop trying to monitor broken systems with new tech

The risks of inequity if we fail to provide digital access as a basic right

💬 Carla calls for a new kind of education—adaptive, co-created, scaffolded for safe experimentation, and deeply human. Expect challenging takes, energising provocations, and plenty to reflect on long after the episode ends.

🔁 As ever, grab a notebook – or better yet, gather your team – because this one’s packed with ideas to take back to your school or trust.

🎙️ Joining the Dots – Episode: Bridging Business, Education & Innovation with Naomi Timperley

In this energising episode, Al and Matt are joined by powerhouse Naomi Timperley—innovation consultant, tech community builder, and passionate advocate for youth and entrepreneurship. Naomi shares her inspiring journey across the UK’s tech and education ecosystems, from launching digital startups to supporting apprentices in Greater Manchester.

Together, the trio explore:

🚀 Why real-world problem solving and entrepreneurship should be part of every classroom

🎓 The disconnect between education and business—and how to fix it

🧠 The role of soft skills, creativity, and local context in preparing young people for the future of work

💡 Naomi’s hands-on work with design sprints, apprenticeships, and AI pilot programmes

📉 Why university isn't the only path—and how we're failing young people by not showing them all the options

🔄 The importance of "joining the dots" between skills, schools, and business ecosystems

Naomi also opens up about her own experience with late ADHD diagnosis and how diverse learning needs must be better recognised in schools. Her message is clear: young people need more visibility, more pathways, and more belief in their potential.

👉 Connect with Naomi on LinkedIn and discover her brilliant work across innovation, education, and digital skills.

In this lively and thoughtful episode, Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop are joined by educator and co-founder of Natterhub, Caroline Allams. Together, they dive into the evolving challenges and opportunities in education, especially around digital safety, parental engagement, and the impact of technology on both learning and wellbeing. Caroline shares her journey from early years teaching to EdTech entrepreneurship, and the trio explore how we can better prepare children for the digital world. Topics range from phonics fatigue and curriculum overload to the need for experiential, inquiry-led learning and equipping children with "power skills" to thrive in today’s world.

🎧 Key topics discussed:

The relevance and limitations of the current education system

Online safety, digital behaviours and the parent-teacher-child triangle

Distractions of technology and its effect on early years development

The case for cross-curricular, experience-led learning over box-ticking

Reflections on phonics, assessment pressures and reading enjoyment

Natterhub’s mission and its free cross-curricular tools for schools and families

🔗 Find out more:

In this episode, Matt Jessop and Al Kingsley sit down with Hugh Viney, founder and CEO of Minerva’s Virtual Academy (MVA) — one of the UK’s fastest-growing online schools. From launching with just four students in 2021 to educating over 1,100 full-time learners globally, Hugh shares MVA’s unique hybrid model blending 60% asynchronous and 40% synchronous learning.

💡 Topics include:

The founding vision of MVA and its rapid growth

Supporting neurodivergent learners and those with mental health challenges

The power of mentoring and building real community in a virtual setting

Redefining the role of teachers and improving retention

Globalisation, soft skills, and preparing students for the future

The potential of online BTECs, international hubs, and MVA Hybrid for schools

Rethinking school holidays, curriculum, and flexible education pathways

Hugh’s message is clear: it’s time to provide genuine choice in education.

🌐 Learn more about MVA: www.minervavirtual.com

In this episode of Joining the Dots, Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop sit down with Paul Glossop from the University of Derby to explore the growing cracks in our education system, especially around attendance, SEND provision, and the rigidity of traditional pathways. From rising parental disillusionment to the potential of online schools, they tackle big questions about relevance, access, and the future of learning. Together, they examine how policy, practice, and perspective all need to shift if we’re serious about making education work for every learner.

Topics Covered:

Why the post-COVID “bums on seats” mindset is failing many young people

The rise of online and hybrid schooling as lifelines for SEND and school-refusing students

How parental trust in the system is eroding—and what that means for attendance

Should education funding follow the child? Exploring the case for a school voucher model

Curriculum relevance, cultural representation, and why some learners feel invisible

Reimagining success: from qualifications and UCAS points to skills, creativity, and AI-proof learning

Rethinking the Purpose of Education 

In this episode of the Joining the Dots podcast, Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop sit down with the legendary Professor Mick Waters—renowned curriculum expert and co-author of About Our Schools—to ask the big questions shaping education today.

💡 What is the true purpose of schooling in the 21st century?

From the historic roots of curriculum design to the growing calls for “open schools” and global qualifications, the trio explore the tension between national policy and classroom reality. Mick shares candid insights on political meddling, the erosion of trust in the profession, and why it’s time to reimagine what childhood and youth should look like in today’s society.

🔥 Topics include:

The national curriculum: prescriptive or protective?

The rise (and risk) of data-driven accountability

Micro-credentials, soft skills, and the future of assessment

Lessons from Wales, the Netherlands, and the open school movement

Why we need a national conversation on childhood itself.

In this thought-provoking episode of the "Joining the Dots" podcast,  hosts Matt Jessop and Al Kingsley chat with Dr. Nick Jackson, AI expert and co-author of "The Next Words: AI and Teachers." Diving into the dynamic intersection of artificial intelligence and education, Nick challenges us to move beyond the superficial integration of AI, urging educators to fundamentally reconsider the very essence and purpose of education.

The discussion explores how AI highlights the uniquely human elements of teaching, creating urgency to redefine educational values, pedagogy, and assessment methods.

From the challenges of digital inequality and infrastructure gaps in schools, both in the UK and Australia, to practical strategies for rapidly building teacher confidence with AI, this episode calls for bold and thoughtful action.

Listen in as Nick, Al, and Matt envision a future where embracing AI not only transforms education but ensures no learner or teacher is left behind.

In this lively episode, hosts Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop sit down with Jonny Clark—angel investor, CEO of the not-for-profit venture firm Capital Enterprise, and a driving force across multiple UK startup scenes. Jonny shares candid views on why London-based companies often scale faster than those in the north, pointing to policy, infrastructure, and cultural attitudes as bigger factors than pure “entrepreneurial spirit.”

He explains how true innovation demands stepping away from “hustle culture” clichés and focusing on real-world needs—especially in sectors like education and manufacturing, where Jonny sees enormous potential for growth if the right support structures are in place. Al and Matt draw parallels between entrepreneurship and the education sector, pressing Jonny for insights on how schools might better prepare students for rapidly shifting job markets. Jonny raises concerns that schools may be overhyping emerging technology—especially AI—without first investing in fundamental skills and infrastructure.

Still, Jonny’s optimism shines through. He champions the idea of “venture-scale thinking” beyond just London, urging entrepreneurs anywhere in the UK to set their sights on global markets. Ultimately, the conversation spotlights the interplay between policy, culture, and technology in shaping a healthier startup ecosystem—and hints at the promising future that lies ahead if education and industry learn to innovate together.

The Future of Tech in Education with Miles Berry

In this thought-provoking episode, Matt Jessop and Al Kingsley sit down with Miles Berry, Professor of Computing Education at the University of Roehampton and a leading voice in education, computing, and teacher training. They dive into the evolving role of technology in schools, questioning whether the current teacher training framework is fit for purpose and exploring how AI, computing, and digital skills should shape the future curriculum.

📌 Key Topics Discussed:

🚀 Miles shares his vision for rethinking GCSE computing, making tech education accessible and equitable for all students, and why schools should have more freedom to innovate.

A must-listen for educators, policymakers, and anyone passionate about the future of learning! 🎧✨

In this episode, Edmund Barnett-Ward joins Matt Jessop and Al Kingsley for an in-depth conversation about the state of Ofsted and school accountability in England. Edmund, known for his advocacy following the tragic death of headteacher Ruth Perry, shares his insights on the flaws in Ofsted's inspection framework, its lack of independent oversight, and the pressures it places on school leaders.

Key discussion points include:

Edmund also reflects on his background as a toy designer and his work on Doctor Who action figures, bringing a creative perspective to the discussion.

🔍 A thought-provoking conversation that challenges the status quo and calls for meaningful reform in school inspections.

🎧 Listen now to explore how we can create a more supportive and effective education system.