17: Richard Gerver: Transforming failing schools with groundbreaking ideas

Disenfranchised staff, low morale, poor attainment, imminent school closure and rebrand on the horizon.   These were just some of the challenges that the former Headteacher of Grange Primary School faced when he stepped into his new Headship.  In the face of adversity and mounting school criticism the then Headteacher, Richard Gerver stood in front of his staff and announced, “why is our school not as exciting as Disneyland?”   No doubt, a number of eyebrows were raised, but did enough heads lift to focus on the task of transforming the fortunes of the school? 

Richard Gerver, is an innovator, educator, advisor to the UK government and author of ‘Change: learn to love it, learn to lead’ cited by Sir Ken Robinson as the very embodiment of his high-thinking on unleashing creativity and human potential. 

Together Richard and I discuss the steps he took to radically transform the failing primary school into one of the most acclaimed learning environments in the world - in just two years!

Episode take-aways:

5 step plan to transforming the fortunes of your school

The art of human leadership, changing mindsets

How to reignite the passion, belief and personal empowerment of colleagues and pupils

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