Heads Talks

Simon Gould
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Welcome to Heads Talks. In Series 1, we speak with senior school headteachers about their vision for education, the strategic priorities guiding their schools, and the personal values that drive them. These conversations offer rare insight into how today’s leaders are shaping the future of education, fostering innovation, and addressing the evolving needs of young people. Series 2 turns the spotlight onto the early years and primary education. Too often seen as a warm-up act to the 'real thing,' these early stages are in fact the main event. We explore why the first years of school are critical for shaping long-term development, academic success and emotional wellbeing. Our guests include Headteachers, sector leaders and educational thinkers who explain how high-quality early education builds strong foundations, and why investment at this stage pays lifelong dividends. Whether you’re a parent choosing a school, an educator reflecting on your practice, or someone simply passionate about education, Heads Talks opens up the thinking behind the leadership that is shaping young lives.

  1. Series 3 - Episode 5 - Radnor House - Amy Cavilla

    2 DGN GELEDEN

    Series 3 - Episode 5 - Radnor House - Amy Cavilla

    In this conversation, Amy Cavilla discusses her experiences and insights as the head of Radnor House, touching on the school's ethos, the transition from an all-girls to a co-educational environment, and the importance of community values. She elaborates on the upcoming developments at Kneller Hall, the admissions process, and the innovative curriculum designed to prepare students for the future. The conversation also highlights the significance of pupil voice and wellbeing, as well as the hope for a politically engaged and curious generation. “Heads Talks” is not affiliated with the “Heads Talk®” podcast. Credits: Produced, edited and mixed by Yusuf Johnson

    45 min
  2. Series 3 - Episode 4 - Harrodian - James Hooke

    17 OKT

    Series 3 - Episode 4 - Harrodian - James Hooke

    In this conversation, James Hook, headmaster of Harrodian School, discusses the distinctive ethos of the school, emphasizing its beautiful setting, strong community, and commitment to both academic excellence and a broad curriculum. He shares insights on how the school supports students during their transition to senior school, fosters a sense of agency and self-efficacy, and prepares them for A-levels and beyond. The conversation also touches on the importance of student wellbeing, mentorship, and the need to rethink traditional processes like the 11 plus exam in light of modern educational challenges. “Heads Talks” is not affiliated with the “Heads Talk®” podcast. Credits: Produced, edited and mixed by Yusuf Johnson

    35 min
  3. Series 3 - Episode 3 - Surbiton High - Matthew Shoults

    10 OKT

    Series 3 - Episode 3 - Surbiton High - Matthew Shoults

    In this conversation, Simon Gould speaks with Matthew Shoults, the principal of Surbiton High School, about the evolving role of schools in society, the importance of creating a supportive and psychologically safe environment for students, and the benefits of all-girls education. They discuss the challenges posed by technology, the need for creativity and mindfulness in education, and the significance of student wellbeing. Matthew shares insights on preparing students for future transitions, balancing academic rigor with holistic development, and the impact of assessment systems on student experiences. The conversation concludes with advice for parents on making informed educational choices for their children and a hopeful outlook on the future of education. “Heads Talks” is not affiliated with the “Heads Talk®” podcast. Credits: Produced, edited and mixed by Yusuf Johnson

    43 min
  4. Series 3 - Episode 2 - Whitgift School - Toby Seth

    3 OKT

    Series 3 - Episode 2 - Whitgift School - Toby Seth

    Toby Seth is the newly appointed Headmaster of Whitgift School, one of the UK’s leading independent day and boarding schools for boys aged 10 to 18, based in South Croydon. He joins Whitgift with a track record of thoughtful, values-driven leadership, most recently as Head of Pocklington School in Yorkshire, and previously as Deputy Head at King’s Macclesfield Educated at Cambridge University, Toby brings both academic rigour and a modern, forward-facing mindset to his leadership. He began his teaching career in London, before holding leadership roles in a range of day and boarding environments including Goldolphin and Latymer, Wellington and Dulwich College, giving him a broad perspective on the independent sector. Toby is committed to combining intellectual stretch with strong pastoral care, and is passionate about preparing young people for the realities of a changing world. In this conversation, Toby Seth shares his insights on the school's community, educational approach, and future direction. He emphasises the importance of individual relationships between staff and students, the breadth of opportunities available for all boys, and the school's commitment to maintaining its heritage while embracing innovation and diversity. Seth discusses the support systems in place for students and outlines the school's strategies for preparing boys for future challenges, including the evolving landscape of education and societal expectations. “Heads Talks” is not affiliated with the “Heads Talk®” podcast. Credits: Produced, edited and mixed by Yusuf Johnson

    26 min
  5. Series 3 - Episode 1 - Thomas's College - Will Le Fleming

    26 SEP

    Series 3 - Episode 1 - Thomas's College - Will Le Fleming

    Today we welcome Will le Fleming who is the Founding Master of Thomas’s College in Richmond, an 11–18 day and boarding school rethinking the secondary journey with a three-year Sixth Form that begins in Year 11 and a hybrid pathway that blends GCSEs with Thomas’s Qualifications; Years 12 and 13 are reshaped to deepen scholarship, independence and readiness for life beyond school. Educated at Eton and Clare College, Cambridge, Will worked as a journalist and author before moving into teaching. He began at St Paul’s School, becoming Undermaster, then served as Deputy Head at St Paul’s Girls’ School. He went on to lead Fulham School as Headmaster and later became Head of The Abbey School in Reading, before his appointment to Thomas’s College. Alongside teaching, he is a published novelist. Will’s leadership blends rigorous scholarship with wellbeing, pupil agency and creative endeavour, fostering confident, curious and principled young people who achieve outstanding outcomes. In this conversation, Simon and Will discuss the innovative educational approaches at Thomas's College, emphasising the importance of a diverse school culture, student agency, and personal development. They explore the challenges of navigating academic choices and assessments, the need for reform in the current education system, and the role of technology in preparing students for an uncertain future. The conversation highlights the significance of kindness, confidence, and hope in education, advocating for a more holistic approach to learning. “Heads Talks” is not affiliated with the “Heads Talk®” podcast. Credits: Produced, edited and mixed by Yusuf Johnson

    42 min
  6. Series 2 - Episode 5 - A special edition

    28 JUL

    Series 2 - Episode 5 - A special edition

    “Heads Talks” is not affiliated with the “Heads Talk®” podcast. Credits: Produced, edited and mixed by Yusuf Johnson

    32 min
  7. Series 2 - Episode 4 - A conversation with Emma Turner

    8 JUL

    Series 2 - Episode 4 - A conversation with Emma Turner

    Our guest today is Emma Turner, a highly respected voice in primary education, known for her deep expertise in curriculum design, teaching and learning, and school leadership. With almost 30 years’ experience in education, she has served as a class teacher, assistant head, deputy head, and co-head. She is a leading advocate for using cognitive science to inform curriculum and pedagogy, and is the author of several influential books including Simplicitus and Be More Toddler. Emma is a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching, co-hosts the Mind the Gap podcast and is a contributor to the Excellence Hub, a research-based initiative focused on helping schools create high-quality, interconnected curricula that support long-term learning and pupil wellbeing. In this episode, Emma and Simon discuss the powerful role of early education in shaping how children learn, think, and grow. The conversation draws on cognitive science to highlight how self-efficacy, agency, and independence are best fostered in early childhood. They also reflect on the role of cultural capital, the risks of premature formalisation in primary education, and the vital role of parents in nurturing creativity, language, and confidence at home. “Heads Talks” is not affiliated with the “Heads Talk®” podcast. Credits: Produced, edited and mixed by Yusuf Johnson

    46 min
  8. Series 2 - Episode 3 - A conversation with Claire Boyd

    27 JUN

    Series 2 - Episode 3 - A conversation with Claire Boyd

    Our guest this episode is Claire Boyd, Head of Glendower Preparatory School, a leading independent girls’ school in Kensington, London. Claire is now in her third headship within the independent sector, and with a background in educational leadership and curriculum development, she brings a wealth of insight into what truly matters in primary education. Claire is a passionate advocate for the transformative power of the Early Years and Key Stage 1, and is keen to champion the role these formative stages play in shaping a child’s lifelong learning journey. She is also a strong proponent of play as a cornerstone of early childhood development—believing it to be essential for lifelong learning and success. During the episode Claire and Simon explore how these formative stages shape children’s emotional and intellectual growth, their learning behaviours, and their emerging sense of agency. They discuss the importance of nurturing environments, the strength of teacher-parent relationships, and how neuroscience can inform thoughtful curriculum design. They also reflect on the balance between academic rigour and the development of human skills, the transformative power of play, and why we must look beyond exam results when defining success in education. Claire offers insightful advice for parents as they navigate their child’s early learning journey. “Heads Talks” is not affiliated with the “Heads Talk®” podcast. Credits: Produced, edited and mixed by Yusuf Johnson

    49 min
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Info

Welcome to Heads Talks. In Series 1, we speak with senior school headteachers about their vision for education, the strategic priorities guiding their schools, and the personal values that drive them. These conversations offer rare insight into how today’s leaders are shaping the future of education, fostering innovation, and addressing the evolving needs of young people. Series 2 turns the spotlight onto the early years and primary education. Too often seen as a warm-up act to the 'real thing,' these early stages are in fact the main event. We explore why the first years of school are critical for shaping long-term development, academic success and emotional wellbeing. Our guests include Headteachers, sector leaders and educational thinkers who explain how high-quality early education builds strong foundations, and why investment at this stage pays lifelong dividends. Whether you’re a parent choosing a school, an educator reflecting on your practice, or someone simply passionate about education, Heads Talks opens up the thinking behind the leadership that is shaping young lives.

Informatie

  • Maker
    Simon Gould
  • Jaren actief
    2024 - 2025
  • Afleveringen
    20
  • Beoordeling
    Veilig
  • Copyright
    © Heads Talks
  • Website van aflevering
    Heads Talks

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