Former National Schools Commissioner Sir David Carter joins The School Podcast to unpack over 40 years in education, what academies got right and wrong, how to build a culture that’s lived not laminated, and why supporting SEND and underserved pupils should drive every decision.

Key Takeaways:

• How academies changed pace, autonomy and accountability
• Leadership mistakes to avoid such as bloated middle tiers
• Behaviour that works: exclusion as a last resort, catch them doing good, visible SLT
• How to engage late or non attending pupils with empathy
• Why alumni networks and vocational pathways matter
• Balancing work and life for long term retention
• The one system fix Sir David would make: properly resource SEND


Sponsors:
Edurio - Gadget Line - Dreams to Reality - Access Education

#DavidCarter  #SchoolPodcast #CameronParker

In this episode of The School Podcast, host Cameron Parker sits down with Nadine Bernard — headteacher, mother of three, founder & CEO of Aspiring Heads, and author of Your Leadership Matters: Empowering Those from the Global Majority and Allies.
Together, they dive deep into:
✅ Balancing leadership, motherhood, and well-being
✅ The story behind founding Aspiring Heads and supporting future Black leaders
✅ Overcoming adversity and discrimination in education
✅ Why nurture doesn’t mean lowering standards
✅ Building schools rooted in empathy, high expectations, and community
✅ The importance of representation, confidence, and self-care
💬 “My value is not defined by what others say about me.” – Nadine Bernard

Thank you to our sponsors: Edurio - Access Education - Gadget Line Films - Dreams 2 Reality 🎧 

Listen to The School Podcast on Spotify & Apple Podcasts .
 
#NadineBernard #cameronparker #schoolpodcast

In this podcast Omar Al Hashimi an experienced educator and thought leader, explores how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the world of education. He shares his insights on the opportunities and challenges AI brings to classrooms and explains why teachers and schools should embrace AI rather than resist it because it’s here to stay.

Discover how AI can enhance learning, support teachers, and prepare students for the future.
Join the conversation and share your thoughts in the comments below!

🎙️The School Podcast — Real conversations. Real schools. Real impact.

Thank you to our sponsors: Edurio - Access Education - Gadget Line Films - Dreams 2 Reality 🎧 

Listen to The School Podcast on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 

#education #artificialintelligence #SchoolPodcast #CameronParker

In this powerful episode, Cameron Parker sits down with Katharine Birbalsingh, often described as Britain’s Strictest Headteacher, for one of the most honest and inspiring conversations you’ll ever hear about education.

They discuss:
💬 Why fatherhood matters more than ever
🏫 Why Ofsted should never be the goal
🔥 Why teaching is our duty, not just a job
⚔️ Why we must go to war for our children
🎓 The importance of uniform and school culture
👑 The role of leadership in shaping young lives
🗣️ How Katharine handles criticism and stays true to her mission
… and so much more.

Katharine's insight and conviction will challenge everything you think you know about schools, leadership, and what young people truly need to thrive.

This is more than an interview — it’s a masterclass in purpose, discipline, and hope.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Edurio - Access Education - Gadget Line Films - Dreams 2 Reality

🎧 Listen to The School Podcast on Spotify & Apple Podcasts

#Education #KatharineBirbalsingh #SchoolPodcast #CameronParker

🎙️ Welcome to Sunday School — with Cameron Parker

This is a special edition of The School Podcast, where Cameron shares his latest stories, lessons, and insights from working in schools every single day.

Expect real talk about education, mindset, motivation, leadership, and everything in between — straight from the front line of UK schools.

No scripts. No theory. Just honest reflections, practical takeaways, and stories that remind us why this work matters.

#cameronparker #sundayschool #schoolpodcast

This is one of the hardest and most powerful conversations we’ve ever had on The School Podcast.

In this episode, we hear the heartbreaking story of a father who lost her son to knife crime — a tragedy that started from something as simple as a Snapchat post.

We explore the dangerous link between social media, youth culture, and violence, and what schools, parents, and communities can do to protect young people before it’s too late.

This is not just a story about loss — it’s a call for change.

🎙️ The School Podcast — Real conversations. Real schools. Real impact.
💭 Watch, share, and help raise awareness.

#KnifeCrime #TheSchoolPodcast #YouthViolence #SocialMedia #Parenting #Education

The 3 C’s approach to managing behaviour — sounds good on paper, but does it actually work in real schools?

In this episode of The School Podcast, Cameron Parker sits down with Sam Strickland, Headteacher and author of Education Exposed, to challenge one of the most commonly repeated ideas in behaviour management. Together they explore:

🎯 Why the 3 C’s aren’t enough in practice
🔥 What really drives culture and high standards in schools
💬 How leaders can support staff without lowering expectations
💪 The difference between being “nice” and being “effective”

If you care about behaviour, culture and leadership — this conversation will make you think differently.

👉 Watch, subscribe and share if you believe in raising standards and supporting teachers to succeed.

#TheSchoolPodcast #SamStrickland #CameronParker

In this powerful episode, Cameron Parker sits down with Sally Apps, Deputy CEO of Cabot Learning Federation, to explore one of the most important leadership principles in education — High Standards, High Support.

Sally shares her insight on what it really means to hold both staff and students to high expectations while creating a culture of care, trust, and accountability. From leadership development to classroom consistency, this episode is packed with wisdom for anyone leading a school or trust in 2025.

Whether you're a headteacher, middle leader, or classroom teacher, this conversation will challenge your thinking and inspire you to raise the bar without burning out your team.

Thank you to our sponsors Edurio and Gadgetline for the continued support!

#schoolpodcast #education #cameronparker

n this episode of The School Podcast, Cameron Parker sits down with Iona Jackson, Managing Director at Edurio, the UK’s leading provider of stakeholder feedback solutions for schools and trusts.

Iona shares how Edurio is helping school and trust leaders gain clarity, data-driven insight, and confidence on the issues that matter most—whether that’s staff wellbeing, pupil experience, equality and inclusion, or safeguarding.

✅ Why stakeholder feedback is essential for real school improvement
✅ The biggest trends and challenges facing schools and trusts right now
✅ How leaders can move from “guesswork” to evidence-based decision making
✅ Practical steps for turning feedback into positive change

If you’re a headteacher, trust leader, or educator who wants to cut through the noise and focus on what really makes an impact, this conversation is for you.

🔗 Learn more about Edurio: https://edurio.com

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more real conversations, real schools, real impact.

#SchoolPodcast #CameronParker #education

In this powerful live episode, Cameron Parker sits down with renowned education leader Andy Buck at the Education Forum Event to dive deep into the foundations of school success — trust, teaching, and transformation.

With decades of leadership experience and a passion for raising standards in education, Andy shares real, actionable insights on:
✅ Building authentic trust across school communities
✅ Supporting and challenging staff to grow professionally
✅ Leading with clarity and purpose in challenging times
✅ Transforming outcomes for pupils – especially those who need it most

Whether you’re a school leader, teacher, or someone passionate about impact in education, this conversation is filled with inspiration and practical wisdom.

💥 Don’t miss it — hit subscribe, leave a comment, and share with your team.

#AndyBuck #CameronParker #SchoolPodcast