In this exclusive episode of Headship After Hours, I’m joined by Mary Myatt — one of the most influential voices in curriculum, leadership and school improvement.

I am currently offering a funded £1,000 Senior Attendance & Leadership Review for headteachers navigating attendance pressure.

It begins with a short strategic assessment.

If eligible, this leads to a full review process including:

• On-site school visit
• Detailed, school-specific report
• Follow-up strategy session
• Practical leadership tools

Apply now – https://atrejwhi.formester.com/f/hwL9GCyin/

We explore why Key Stage 3 has been described as “the wasted years”, how curriculum coherence breaks down between primary and secondary, and what schools can do to build more ambitious, meaningful learning experiences.

Mary shares insights on high challenge, low threat, simplifying classroom practice, and why education does not need more complexity — it needs clarity.

We also discuss leadership, professional culture, and how schools can focus on what truly adds value to learning.

This is a practical and thought-provoking conversation for school leaders, teachers and anyone interested in curriculum design.

🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on headship, leadership and school improvement.

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction to Mary Myatt
01:15 – Mary’s Journey into Education
03:40 – Why Curriculum Became Her Focus
06:38 – The Problem with Key Stage 3
07:18 – From “Wasted Years” to “Ambitious Years”
10:00 – Primary to Secondary Transition Gaps
12:17 – Why Schools Repeat Learning
15:21 – The Reading Research Changing Classrooms
20:20 – High Challenge, Low Threat Explained
25:00 – What Makes a High-Quality Curriculum
30:46 – Building Culture in Classrooms
34:11 – What Leaders Should Prioritise
36:55 – What Schools Should Stop Doing
37:55 – Mary’s Final Leadership Advice