The HMC Podcast

In this episode, Tom Lawson interviews Philip Britton, chair of the HMC, exploring the role of independent schools, collaboration, and the future of education. Discover insights on leadership, community impact, and the importance of belonging within the sector.

The HMC Podcast

Series 3 – Intergenerational

Host: Tom Lawson, Headmaster, Eastbourne College

Guest: Dr Gurusharan Singh Gogna, Teacher of Physics, Applied Mathematics, Enterprise & The STEM Practical Lab – The King’s Hospital School, Dublin

The conversation will:

• explain what the Tech Drive is
• say something about the practicalities that need to be considered if other schools are looking to do something similar
• say more about the benefits of intergenerational relationships and how there are as many benefits for the youngsters as well as the elderly – community and connection leading to improved wellbeing, empathy, confidence, purpose etc.
• say that, whilst all the recent media attention on mobile phone bans, AI concerns etc. are valid; this story adds some important balance to those debates
• say something about the fact that this is now an ongoing project and anything you’re happy to give away about future plans.

Date and time of recording: Monday 18 May 2026

Discover how character education is shaping resilient, responsible students and how outdoor and adventurous learning can foster growth. Join educators from the UK, Australia and beyond as they share strategies, challenges, and successes.

Key points:

• The importance of outdoor education and nature for character development (Adam Larby, Dina Hamalis)
• Embedding character education into school culture through storytelling and role modeling (Rosie Ferris, Dina Hamalis)
• How adventurous learning impacts student resilience, decision-making, and responsibility (Adam Larby, Tom Lawson)
• Strategies for involving parents and staff in character education initiatives (Rosie Ferris, Dina Hamalis)
• Defining and differentiating character education from routine guidance and teaching soft skills (All guests)
• Practical resources for schools to audit and improve their character education programs (Rosie Ferris, Jubilee Centre)
• Building trust with parents around outdoor activities like overnight camping (Adam Larby)
• The role of teachers and staff as role models inside and outside the classroom (Rosie Ferris, Dina Hamalis)
• The moral purpose of character education: preparing students to contribute positively to society (All guests)
• Key insights from Australia, UK, and international perspectives on adventure and character in education

In this episode of the HMC Podcast, Tom Lawson speaks with Peter Middleton, Head of Oswestry School, about the importance of international partnerships in education. They discuss the impact of student exchanges on personal development, the challenges of safety and parental concerns, and the logistics of organising such programmes. Peter shares insights on building relationships with host families, the selection process for students, and the necessity of preparing students for a globalised world.

Takeaways

• International partnerships provide life-changing experiences for students.
• Cultural exchanges help students develop a global perspective.
• Communication with parents is crucial for successful exchanges.
• Experiencing different cultures can be a culture shock but is beneficial.
• The selection process for exchange students should be transparent and inclusive.
• Host families play a vital role in the exchange experience.
• Schools are increasingly interested in establishing international partnerships.
• Students return with enhanced motivation and drive after exchanges.
• The impact of exchanges can last a lifetime, fostering lasting connections.
• Preparing students for a globalised world is essential in modern education.

In this episode Simon Jones attended the HMC Autumn Conference at the ICC Wales in Newport. He spoke with Heads from across the UK and overseas, exhibitors showcasing new ideas for schools, and members of the HMC Board themselves. Their conversations covered the value of in-person gatherings, the current challenges and optimism within independent education in 2025, and what it truly means to lead a school community today. There were also lighter moments — from test-driving an F1 simulator to discovering that Jelly Belly jelly beans might just be the unofficial fuel of the conference.

Takeaways

• The HMC Autumn Conference remains a cornerstone event for independent school leaders.
• Heads value the chance to connect, share experiences, and recharge away from daily pressures.
• Many conversations centred on wellbeing — for pupils, staff, and Heads themselves.
• The sector is adapting to post-pandemic realities and the introduction of new technologies.
• Collaboration between schools is becoming more important than competition.
• Exhibitors play a vital role in shaping innovation and best practice in education.
• The mood among school leaders in 2025 is cautiously optimistic but grounded in realism.
• Personal connection and authenticity still matter more than polished marketing.
• Conferences like this provide perspective and renewed energy for the academic year ahead.
• And yes — the F1 simulator and unlimited Jelly Belly supply were big hits!

In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of educational technology, particularly AI, in schools. They explore the role of 9ine in supporting school leaders with compliance and safeguarding, the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, and the necessity of a human element in integrating technology into education. The conversation emphasises a bottom-up approach to AI implementation, ensuring that teachers and staff are equipped to manage risks while leveraging the benefits of technology.

Takeaways

• The conference provides a multicultural perspective on educational challenges.
• 9ine supports schools in using technology safely and compliantly.
• AI is being used informally in many schools, raising risks.
• Schools need to understand the ethical implications of AI.
• A bottom-up approach to AI integration is essential.
• Safeguarding should be a priority when implementing AI.
• Human oversight is crucial in AI applications in education.
• Teachers need training to effectively use AI tools.
• AI should be integrated into existing school systems.
• Preparing students for an AI-driven future is vital.

https://www.9ine.com/

Summary

Dominic Kalantary from Vectare joins Simon Jones as they focus on the importance of school transport and technology in education. Dominic shares insights on how Vectare is transforming school transport into a strategic tool for admissions and operational efficiency.

Takeaways

• School transport can be a strategic admissions tool.
• Many schools have outdated transport networks that need reevaluation.
• Transport costs are often one of the top expenses for schools.
• Schools should view transport as more than just an operational headache.
• Different countries have unique approaches to school transport.

Links

Main website: www.hmc.org.uk

This episode was produced by The Bonjour Agency

Summary

In this podcast episode, we explore the transformative experiences offered by Camps International, which provides students with four-week expeditions focused on community, wildlife, and environmental projects. The discussion highlights the importance of preparing students for a changing world, emphasising character development and resilience. The conversation also touches on the role of parents in supporting their children's growth through these experiences. The second half of the episode introduces Alps Education, a company that aids schools in data analysis and improvement planning, showcasing the significance of effective data use in enhancing educational outcomes.

Takeaways

• Camps International offers four-week expeditions for students.
• Expeditions help students develop character and resilience.
• Social media poses challenges for today's youth.
• Experiencing different cultures broadens students' perspectives.
• Parents often need reassurance about their children's safety.
• Data analysis is crucial for school improvement.
• Effective data use can drive better educational outcomes.
• Training staff on data use builds confidence and consistency.
• Open data sharing fosters collaboration among educators.
• Engaging with students through fun activities enhances learning.

Links

Main website: www.hmc.org.uk

This episode was produced by The Bonjour Agency

Summary

This podcast episode discusses the current challenges in education recruitment, particularly focusing on the high turnover of teachers and the differences between independent and state schools. The conversation highlights the need for innovative recruitment strategies and the importance of retention in the education sector. The speakers emphasize the role of technology in streamlining recruitment processes and the necessity for schools to adapt to the changing expectations of job seekers, particularly younger generations.

Takeaways

• The education sector is facing a recruitment and retention crisis.
• 40,000 teachers leave the profession annually in England.
• 91% of teachers leaving are pursuing other career paths.
• Independent schools face unique challenges in recruitment.
• Technology can improve recruitment efficiency.
• Flexibility in work arrangements is crucial for retention.
• Candidates today seek purpose and values in their careers.
• Schools must promote their unique selling points (USPs).
• Over-reliance on job boards is a common mistake.
• HMC School Careers aims to modernize recruitment practices.

Summary

In this episode of the HMC Podcast, Tom Lawson interviews Frazer Cairns, the School Director at the International School of Lausanne. They discuss the flourishing international education sector in Switzerland, the distinctive political structure of Swiss education, and the significance of multilingualism. Frazer offers insights into the role of international schools, the value placed on vocational education, and Switzerland’s consensus-led approach to education policy. The conversation also explores the impact of technology on learning and the experiences of international schools around the world. Finally, they consider how HMC might better support its international members and the possibilities for future collaboration.

Takeaways

• International schools offer valuable networking opportunities.
• Education is highly regarded by Swiss citizens.
• The Swiss education system is decentralised and managed at the cantonal level.
• Vocational education is a respected and viable route in Switzerland.
• Consensus plays a central role in Swiss political discussions on education.
• Direct democracy enables citizens to influence education policy directly.
• Multilingualism is a core element of the Swiss educational landscape.
• Technology is reshaping how information is accessed and understood.
• International schools cultivate a strong sense of purpose and community.
• HMC can gain valuable insights from the varied practices of international schools.

Links

Main website: www.hmc.org.uk

This episode was produced by The Bonjour Agency