The School Podcast

In this episode of The School Podcast, Cameron Parker sits down with Director of Education Tom Hague for an honest conversation about school leadership, teaching, culture and what really drives improvement in education.

Tom shares his journey from Teach First trainee and maths teacher to becoming a Vice Principal, Founding Headteacher and now Director of Education across multiple schools. Throughout the conversation, they dive into topics including behaviour, school culture, curriculum, staff development, deliberate practice, leadership pressure, engaging parents and the realities of modern education.

This is not a conversation built around buzzwords or surface-level ideas. It is a real discussion about what happens inside schools every day, what great teachers and leaders actually do differently and why culture may matter more than anything else.

Cameron and Tom also explore:

• Why “culture before curriculum” matters
• The importance of teacher development and coaching
• Mixed ability vs set classes
• Behaviour, motivation and student engagement
• Leadership pressures behind the scenes
• Supporting staff while keeping students first
• Why relationships with parents matter more than ever
• The reality of improving schools over time

Whether you are a teacher, school leader, parent or simply passionate about education, this episode is packed with practical insight, honesty and reflection from somebody living it every single day.

HUGE thank you to our sponsor Nisai Learning, an online school in the UK and worldwide providing flexible, accredited education: https://www.nisai.com

This episode is brought to you by Cameron Parker (UK’s #1 Motivational Speaker for Secondary Schools) and Education Media.

#TheSchoolPodcast #TomHague #Education #CameronParker

In this episode of The School Podcast, Cameron Parker sits down with Mitch Goode and Rich Rubino for a powerful conversation around jiu-jitsu, mindset, motivation, ego, behaviour and what education can learn from martial arts.

Mitch Goode is a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu, professional MMA athlete and coach who works closely with both adults and young people inside the gym environment. Rich Rubino is a business owner, second degree black belt and founder of one of the top Bristol Jiu-Jitsu gyms.

This wasn’t just a conversation about fighting.

It became a deep discussion around why some young people struggle with confidence, how ego develops, the importance of belonging, discipline vs motivation, pressure, stress, masculinity, coaching and the role environments play in helping people grow.

Throughout the episode they discuss:

Why motivation is unreliable

How competence builds confidence

What martial arts teaches young people about discipline

The connection between stress, behaviour and performance

Why relationships matter when coaching students

How jiu-jitsu can help confidence and self-belief

The difference between therapy and “therapeutic”

Ego in sport, education and life

Why challenge and accountability still matter

There are also some hilarious moments, stories from the gym and honest conversations around competition, parenting, schools and personal growth.

This is one of those episodes where the conversation just flows naturally and leaves you thinking long after it finishes.

A massive thank you to Mitch and Rich for joining us.

🎙️ The School Podcast is hosted by Cameron Parker, the UK’s #1 Motivational Speaker for Secondary Schools.

Sponsored by Nisai Learning - specialists in online and blended education for young people across the UK - https://www.nisai.com/

📩 For podcast enquiries, school partnerships or speaking opportunities: [email protected]

#Education #JiuJitsu #TheSchoolPodcast

In this episode of The School Podcast, Cameron Parker sits down with Chantel Brooks, former teacher of 24 years, author, education consultant and resilience advocate for a powerful and honest conversation about education, adversity and what young people really need to succeed in today’s world.

After leaving school with just one GCSE, Chantel went on to graduate from university and build a 24-year career in education, working closely with young people, parents and schools around behaviour, resilience, mindset and learning.

This conversation goes far beyond grades.

They discuss the growing pressures facing young people, why confidence and communication matter more than ever and how schools can better prepare students for real life, not just exams.

Topics include:

Why grades don’t define a young person’s future

ADHD, dyslexia and struggling in education

Resilience, mindset and overcoming setbacks

Behaviour, relationships and school culture

The importance of reading and communication skills

Apprenticeships, careers and real-world preparation

Parenting and supporting young people at home

Why confidence and character matter in education

What schools are getting right and wrong

This is a real, reflective and important conversation for teachers, parents, school leaders and anyone passionate about improving outcomes for young people.

Subscribe to The School Podcast for more conversations with some of the most experienced and influential voices in education.

HUGE thank you to our sponsor Nisai Learning, an online school in the UK and worldwide providing flexible, accredited education: https://www.nisai.com

This episode is brought to you by Cameron Parker (UK’s #1 Motivational Speaker for Secondary Schools) and Education Media.

#theschoolpodcast #parenting  #resilienceinkids  #cameronparker #nisailearning #chantelbrooks

IIn this episode of The School Podcast, Cameron Parker sits down with education leader Trystan Williams for a powerful conversation about education, leadership, special schools, alternative provision, behaviour, culture and what it really means to serve society’s most vulnerable young people.

With over 30 years in education, Trystan shares his personal journey growing up on the site of a residential special school, the influence of his parents, his experience as a young headteacher, and the lessons he has learned from leading schools through challenge, change and growth.

This conversation goes deep into what education should really be about: relationships, compassion, equity, high standards, community, leadership and long term impact.

They also discuss:

Why schools must be community anchors

The difference between culture being lived and culture being laminated

Why special schools need to be understood properly by trusts

Behaviour, trauma, neuroscience and compassion

The pressure on headteachers and school leaders

Why equity is one of education’s biggest challenges

The future of alternative provision and Dreams 2 Reality Academy

This is an honest, reflective and important conversation for anyone working in education, especially school leaders, trust leaders, SEND leaders, pastoral teams and anyone passionate about improving outcomes for young people.

Don’t forget to like, comment and subscribe for more conversations with some of the most experienced and influential voices in education.

HUGE thank you to our sponsor Nisai Learning, they are an online school in the UK and worldwide for flexible, accredited education.

This episode is brought to you by Cameron Parker (UK’s #1 Motivational Speaker for Secondary Schools) and Education Media.

#theschoolpodcast #nisailearning #education #trystanwilliams #cameronparker

In this episode of The School Podcast, the UK’s #1 motivational speaker for secondary schools Cameron Parker sits down with a world champion martial artist and professional boxer Nicola "Python" Barke.

From starting in ballet to reaching world number one across multiple combat sports, she shares powerful insights on:

Finding your path without external validation

Building confidence through discipline and adversity

The reality of turning passion into a career

Breaking stereotypes as a female fighter

The mindset needed to keep improving

This is a must watch for students, athletes and anyone looking to build confidence, resilience and a stronger mindset.

A big thank you to our sponsors for supporting this episode: Edurio, Access Education, Education Media and Dreams 2 Reality.

#theschoolpodcast #cameronparker #boxing 

In this episode of The School Podcast. The UK’s #1 motivational speaker for secondary schools Cameron Parker sits down with Martin Murphy, the CEO of Arden Multi Academy Trust.

From starting as a geography teacher to leading a multi-academy trust, Martin shares powerful insights on:

Why relationships matter more than results

The biggest changes (and non-changes) in education

The truth about leadership in schools

How curriculum impacts student success

Supporting staff wellbeing and student mental health

This is a must-watch for teachers, school leaders, students, and anyone interested in the future of education.

A big thank you to our sponsors for supporting this episode: Edurio, Access Education and GadgetLine

#schoolpodcast #cameronparker #education

In education, we talk a lot about teaching and learning…

But what about everything else?

In this episode, we sit down with Theresa Allotey to explore the often overlooked side of schools, the student experience.

From the perception of support staff, to how schools can better utilise and repurpose resources, this conversation challenges the traditional view of what really drives impact in education.

Because the truth is…

It’s not always what happens in the classroom that shapes a young person’s future.

We dive into:

Why student experience should be at the centre of every school

The undervalued role of support staff

How schools can rethink and repurpose existing resources

What real impact looks like beyond teaching and learning

If you work in education, this is a conversation you need to hear.

Huge thank you to our sponsors:

Gadget Line - Edurio - Access Education - Dreams 2 Reality

#schoolpodcast #cameronparker #

The day before he retired, Sir Paul Tarn sat down for one final 90-minute conversation.

He rarely does interviews. He never gives this long. And in what became a powerful and candid discussion, he didn’t hold back.

In this final interview before stepping away from headship, Sir Paul reflects on his journey into education at 31, the lessons learned over decades of leadership, and what truly drives impact in schools.

We discuss:

• Why teaching is still the best job in the world
• The real conversation around standards
• Impact and expectations for white working class boys
• The funding debate and whether there is actually enough money in education
• Why sharing everything matters
• Educational exchange and collaboration
• The role of data in driving improvement

This isn’t soundbites. It’s depth. It’s conviction built from experience. It’s a leader speaking freely at the end of a chapter.

Whether you agree with him or not, this is a significant conversation in the education space.

If you care about schools, standards, leadership and the future of education, this is one to watch.

Huge thank you to our sponsors:

Gadget Line - https://gadgetlinefilms.com/education/

Edurio - https://home.edurio.com/

Access Education - http://www.theaccessgroup.com/education

Dreams 2 Reality - www.dreams2-reality.com

Listen on the go or watch in full when you’re ready.

🎙 The School Podcast
Hosted by Cameron Parker

Like, comment and share your thoughts below.

#SirPaulTarn #TheSchoolPodcast #Education

In this episode Amjad Ali joins the conversation with Cameron Parker on The School Podcast.

At a time when education can feel increasingly complex and overloaded, Amjad argues for clarity, simplicity and intentional practice. Drawing on his experience working with teachers and schools across the world, he challenges common assumptions around standards, differentiation and research.

This is a thoughtful and practical conversation about removing unnecessary complexity from teaching while maintaining high expectations for every pupil.

For classroom teachers, middle leaders and trust leaders alike, this episode offers grounded insight and actionable thinking that prioritises impact without increasing workload.

Huge thank you to our sponsors:

Gadget Line - Edurio - Access Education - Dreams 2 Reality

#schoolpodcast #cameronparker #amjadali

In this powerful episode of The School Podcast, we sit down with Miriam Manderson to explore an extraordinary journey — from her upbringing and the devastating loss of her mum, to becoming a headteacher and leading school culture through some of the most challenging years education has ever faced.

Miriam speaks openly about:

Growing up and the experiences that shaped her mindset
Losing her mum and how grief influenced her leadership
Building strong culture and values in schools
Stepping into headship and the realities of the role
Leading staff and students through Covid
What school leadership really looks like behind the scenes

This is an honest, human conversation about resilience, responsibility, and leadership, with lessons for teachers, school leaders, aspiring heads, and anyone working in education.

🎧 Whether you’re in the classroom, SLT, or thinking about headship, this episode is packed with insight, reflection, and real-world experience.

👉 Watch the full episode and join the conversation

📌 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with anyone in education who needs to hear this.

Huge thank you to our sponsors:

Gadget Line - Edurio - Access Education - Dreams 2 Reality

#schoolpodcast #cameronparker #fromhoodtoheadship