- 11
- Episodes
- 2025
- First episode
About Graded
Graded is a creative and critical podcast that turns the tables on traditional school evaluation. Each of the five episodes explore a key question about Michaela Community School by investigating its practices through storytelling, research, and debate. Michaela acts as a starting point for us to consider broader questions about schooling and education policy. Hosted by a team of inquisitive voices, educators and experts, the show blends personal reflection with rigorous inquiry. Graded holds up a mirror to Michaela’s approach, inviting listeners to rethink what it means to assess education.
- Publisher
- Yap Productions
- Category
- education
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 22 Oct 2025
- Latest episode
- 4 Dec 2025
Latest episodes
11 episodes in the feed.
4 Dec 2025
Kadra Abdinasir: Punished for Learning? The Hidden Costs of School Discipline
Kadra shares insights from the “Behaviour and Mental Health in Schools” report, highlighting the rise of zero-tolerance policies, the increase in exclusions, and the equity challenges faced by students from lower-income families, racialised backgrounds, and those with special educational needs. We discuss the real-life impact of these policies, not just on students, but on teachers and families, and consider how trauma-informed and restorative approaches could offer a more supportive path forward. José Mario is an educator and artist, adopted from Guatemala and raised in Essex. They have a background in pastoral and safeguarding leadership in schools, having worked in London and Oxford. Their practice centres on care in education. Mario studied Fine Art at the University of Oxford and later completed a Master's in Education from UCL. Disclaimers This podcast aims to provide a balanced and research-informed discussion. Every effort has been made to include a range of perspectives. The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Yap Productions or any affiliated institutions. The series includes an anonymous interview with a former Michaela student. The views expressed reflect this individual’s personal experience and are not representative of all Michaela students. Yap Productions approached several former students, but only one agreed to take part. Michaela Community School and Katharine Birbalsingh were both offered the opportunity to respond to the issues raised in this episode. Credits Contracts: Annisha Jhatakia Editor: Beau Falconer Music: Beth Hayden Producers: José Mario Dellow and Tessa Cooper Researchers/Hosts: Marth
1 Dec 2025
The Future: Is Michaela a Social Mobility Miracle or Myth?
In the final episode of this series, we dive into the complex realities of education, social mobility, and the future of schooling in the UK. Our hosts reflect on their own childhood ambitions and experiences, then turn a critical eye to the systems that shape young people’s lives, asking whether a relentless focus on grades and discipline truly prepares students for success, or risks leaving many behind. We unpack the impact of selective sixth forms, challenge the Progress 8 metric, and explore how schools are responding to a world transformed by automation and artificial intelligence. With personal stories, expert insights, and honest debate, this episode questions what it really means to prepare young people for life, and who gets left out of the picture. Follow this link to access the progress 8 information mentioned by Martha. https://ffteducationdatalab.org.uk/2024/05/contextualising-progress-8/ (https://ffteducationdatalab.org.uk/2024/05/contextualising-progress-8/) Graded is a creative and critical podcast that turns the tables on traditional school evaluation. Series one looks at Michaela Community School in Wembley, led by “Britain’s Strictest Headmistress”, Katharine Birbalsingh. Each of the five episodes explore a key question about Michaela by investigating its practices through storytelling, research, and debate. Michaela acts as a starting point for us to consider broader questions about schooling and education policy. Hosted by a team of inquisitive voices, educators and experts, the show blends personal reflection with rigorous inquiry. Graded holds up a mirror to Michaela’s approach, inviting listeners to rethink what it means to assess education. Martha is an educational researcher, with experience working with the UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning, as well as various NGOs. She is particularly interested in issues of access, inclusion and equity in education. Martha has a master’s in Education Policy from the Autonomous University of Barcelona and a BA in Sociology from Cambridge. Jack is currently a Key Stage 2 teacher with a background in Art and Education studies, holding a Fine Art undergraduate degree and a Master's in 'Education: Culture, Language and Identity'. Previously, he worked for Action for Children in Hackney. He has a strong interest in democratic and radical education. José Mario is an educator and artist, adopted from Guatemala and raised in Essex. They have a background in pastoral and safeguarding leadership in schools, having worked in London and Oxford. Their practice centres on care in education. Mario studied Fine Art at the University of Oxford and later completed a Master's in Education from UCL. This podcast aims to provide a balanced and research-informed discussion. Every effort has been made to include a range of perspectives. The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Yap Productions or any affiliated institutions. The series includes an anonymous interview with a former Michaela student. The views expressed reflect this individual’s personal experience and are not representative of all Michaela students. Yap Productions approached several former students, but only one agreed to take part. Michaela Community School and Katharine Birbalsingh were both offered the opportunity to respond to the issues raised in this episode. Thanks Thank you to the following experts for their contribution to the series: Maria Arpa MBE Prof Stephen J. Ball Tom Bennett OBE Phil Beadle Katharine Birbalsingh CBE Prof Guy Claxton Chloe Combi Nomi Fitzsimons Dylan and Hayden (Teach Sleep Repeat Podcast) Prof Diane Reay Andreas Schleicher Dr Kay Sidebottom Credits Contracts: Annisha Jhatakia Editor: Beau Falconer Music: Beth Hayden Producers: José Mario Dellow and Tessa Cooper Researchers/Hosts: Martha Aitken, José Mario Dellow, and Jack Park Sound: Billy Clark
27 Nov 2025
Prof Diane Reay: The Class Politics We Don’t Talk About
Diane Reay is Emeritus Professor of Education at the University of Cambridge, with particular interests in social justice issues in education and cultural analyses of social class, race and gender. She grew up in a working-class, coal-mining community before becoming an inner-city primary school teacher for 20 years. Her research spans social class, gender and ethnicity across primary, secondary and post-compulsory stages of education. Martha is an educational researcher, with experience working with the UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning, as well as various NGOs. She is particularly interested in issues of access, inclusion and equity in education. Martha has a master’s in Education Policy from the Autonomous University of Barcelona and a BA in Sociology from Cambridge. Organisation mentioned in the epidose: Socialist Education Association https://socialisteducationalassociation.org (https://socialisteducationalassociation.org) More Than a Score https://www.morethanascore.org.uk/ (https://www.morethanascore.org.uk/) Anti Academies Alliance https://antiacademies.org.uk (https://antiacademies.org.uk) Comprehensive Future https://comprehensivefuture.org.uk (https://comprehensivefuture.org.uk) Disclaimers This podcast aims to provide a balanced and research-informed discussion. Every effort has been made to include a range of perspectives. The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Yap Productions or any affiliated institutions. Michaela Community School and Katharine Birbalsingh were both offered the opportunity to respond to the issues raised in this series.
24 Nov 2025
Creativity: Cultivated or Controlled at Michaela?
How creativity is understood, taught, and experienced at Michaela. Through classroom observations, interviews with educators, artists, and a former student, we ask: does Michaela’s focus on discipline and knowledge nurture creative thinking, or does it limit experimentation and self-expression? We discuss the role of play, risk-taking, and collaboration in creative development, and contrast Michaela’s structured approach with more open, exploratory models of learning. The episode features perspectives from educators who value knowledge as the foundation for creativity, as well as voices who argue that true creativity requires freedom, flexibility, and the ability to make mistakes. Graded is a creative and critical podcast that turns the tables on traditional school evaluation. Series 1 looks at Michaela Community School in Wembley, led by “Britain’s Strictest Headmistress”, Katharine Birbalsingh. Each of the 5 episodes explore a key question about Michaela by investigating its practices through storytelling, research, and debate. Michaela acts as a starting point for us to consider broader questions about schooling and education policy. Hosted by a team of inquisitive voices, educators and experts, the show blends personal reflection with rigorous inquiry. Host Bios Jack is currently a Key Stage 2 teacher with a background in Art and Education studies, holding a Fine Art undergraduate degree and a Master's in 'Education: Culture, Language and Identity'. Previously, he worked for Action for Children in Hackney. He has a strong interest in democratic and radical education. José Mario is an educator and artist, adopted from Guatemala and raised in Essex. They have a background in pastoral and safeguarding leadership in schools, having worked in London and Oxford. Their practice centres on care in education. Mario studied Fine Art at the University of Oxford and later completed a Master's in Education from UCL. Martha is an educational researcher, with experience working with the UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning, as well as various NGOs. She is particularly interested in issues of access, inclusion and equity in education. Martha has a master’s in Education Policy from the Autonomous University of Barcelona and a BA in Sociology from Cambridge. Disclaimers This podcast aims to provide a balanced and research-informed discussion. Every effort has been made to include a range of perspectives. The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Yap Productions or any affiliated institutions. The series includes an anonymous interview with a former Michaela student. The views expressed reflect this individual’s personal experience and are not representative of all Michaela students. Yap Productions approached several former students, but only one agreed to take part. Michaela Community School and Katharine Birbalsingh were both offered the opportunity to respond to the issues raised in this series. We did not receive a response. Thank you to the following experts for their contribution: Maria Arpa MBE Prof Stephen J. Ball Tom Bennett OBE Phil Beadle Katharine Birbalsingh CBE Professor Guy Claxton Chloe Combi Nomi Fitzsimons Dylan and Hayden (Teach Sleep Repeat Podcast) Professor Diane Reay Andreas Schleicher Dr Kay Sidebottom Contracts: Annisha Jhatakia Editor: Beau Falconer and Tessa Cooper Music: Beth Hayden Producers: José Mario Dellow and Tessa Cooper Researchers/Hosts: Martha Aitken, José Mario Dellow, and Jack Park Sound: Billy Clark Voice Actor: Sofie Potter
20 Nov 2025
Prof Stephen Ball: How Schools are Failing the Next Generation
Our bonus interview episodes continue, this time with Professor Stephen Ball. Professor Stephen J. Ball is one of the world’s leading scholars in the sociology of education and education policy. Currently based at University College London’s Institute of Education, he has shaped global debates on social justice, marketization, and governance in education. A Fellow of the British Academy and the Academy of Social Sciences, Ball has authored numerous influential books and articles, and serves as co-editor-in-chief of the Journal of Education Policy. His work bridges theory and practice, offering critical insights into how policy impacts schools, teachers, and learners worldwide. José Mario is an educator and artist, adopted from Guatemala and raised in Essex. They have a background in pastoral and safeguarding leadership in schools, having worked in London and Oxford. Their practice centres on care in education. Mario studied Fine Art at the University of Oxford and later completed a Master's in Education from UCL. Disclaimers This podcast aims to provide a balanced and research-informed discussion. Every effort has been made to include a range of perspectives. The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Yap Productions or any affiliated institutions. Michaela Community School and Katharine Birbalsingh were both offered the opportunity to respond to the issues raised in this series.
17 Nov 2025
Culture: Are Michaela’s ‘British Values’ Integrating or Alienating?
What happens when a school puts British values at its core? This episode unpacks Michaela Community School’s philosophy, its impact on students, and the controversies surrounding its approach to multiculturalism and inclusion. Join Martha, Jack and José Mario as they reflect on whether this bold model offers answers for modern Britain, or raises new questions about identity and belonging. Graded is a creative and critical podcast that turns the tables on traditional school evaluation. Series 1 looks at Michaela Community School in Wembley, led by “Britain’s Strictest Headmistress”, Katharine Birbalsingh. Each of the 5 episodes explore a key question about Michaela by investigating its practices through storytelling, research, and debate. Michaela acts as a starting point for us to consider broader questions about schooling and education policy. Hosted by a team of inquisitive voices, educators and experts, the show blends personal reflection with rigorous inquiry. Host Bios Jack is currently a Key Stage 2 teacher with a background in Art and Education studies, holding a Fine Art undergraduate degree and a Master's in 'Education: Culture, Language and Identity'. Previously, he worked for Action for Children in Hackney. He has a strong interest in democratic and radical education. José Mario is an educator and artist, adopted from Guatemala and raised in Essex. They have a background in pastoral and safeguarding leadership in schools, having worked in London and Oxford. Their practice centres on care in education. Mario studied Fine Art at the University of Oxford and later completed a Master's in Education from UCL. Martha is an educational researcher, with experience working with the UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning, as well as various NGOs. She is particularly interested in issues of access, inclusion and equity in education. Martha has a master’s in Education Policy from the Autonomous University of Barcelona and a BA in Sociology from Cambridge. Disclaimers This podcast aims to provide a balanced and research-informed discussion. Every effort has been made to include a range of perspectives. The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Yap Productions or any affiliated institutions. The series includes an anonymous interview with a former Michaela student. The views expressed reflect this individual’s personal experience and are not representative of all Michaela students. Yap Productions approached several former students, but only one agreed to take part. Michaela Community School and Katharine Birbalsingh were both offered the opportunity to respond to the issues raised in this series. We did not receive a response. Thank you to the following experts for their contribution: Maria Arpa MBE Prof Stephen J. Ball Tom Bennett OBE Phil Beadle Katharine Birbalsingh CBE Professor Guy Claxton Chloe Combi Nomi Fitzsimons Dylan and Hayden (Teach Sleep Repeat Podcast) Professor Diane Reay Andreas Schleicher Dr Kay Sidebottom Contracts: Annisha Jhatakia Editor: Beau Falconer and Tessa Cooper Music: Beth Hayden Producers: José Mario Dellow and Tessa Cooper Researchers/Hosts: Martha Aitken, José Mario Dellow, and Jack Park Sound: Billy Clark Voice Actor: Sofie Potter
13 Nov 2025
Tom Bennett: Why He Backs Tough Discipline in Schools
Tom Bennett OBE is a British author and education expert, best known as the founder of researchED. A former inner-city teacher, he advises the UK government on school behaviour and authored influential books like Running the Room. In 2022, he was awarded an OBE for services to education. José Mario is an educator and artist, adopted from Guatemala and raised in Essex. They have a background in pastoral and safeguarding leadership in schools, having worked in London and Oxford. Their practice centres on care in education. Mario studied Fine Art at the University of Oxford and later completed a Master's in Education from UCL. Disclaimers This podcast aims to provide a balanced and research-informed discussion. Every effort has been made to include a range of perspectives. The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Yap Productions or any affiliated institutions. Michaela Community School and Katharine Birbalsingh were both offered the opportunity to respond to the issues raised in this series.
10 Nov 2025
Care: Is Behaviour Management at Michaela Loving or Authoritarian?
Detention for not having good enough eye contact with the teacher, sitting up straight all day, silence in the corridors, and no excuses. In this episode, we explore how Michaela cares for their students. We ask whether they are authoritarian or just in authority, and whether they are loving young people or controlling them. Graded is a creative and critical podcast that turns the tables on traditional school evaluation. Series 1 looks at Michaela Community School in Wembley, led by “Britain’s Strictest Headmistress”, Katharine Birbalsingh. Each of the 5 episodes explore a key question about Michaela by investigating its practices through storytelling, research, and debate. Michaela acts as a starting point for us to consider broader questions about schooling and education policy. Hosted by a team of inquisitive voices, educators and experts, the show blends personal reflection with rigorous inquiry. Host Bios Jack is currently a Key Stage 2 teacher with a background in Art and Education studies, holding a Fine Art undergraduate degree and a Master's in 'Education: Culture, Language and Identity'. Previously, he worked for Action for Children in Hackney. He has a strong interest in democratic and radical education. José Mario is an educator and artist, adopted from Guatemala and raised in Essex. They have a background in pastoral and safeguarding leadership in schools, having worked in London and Oxford. Their practice centres on care in education. Mario studied Fine Art at the University of Oxford and later completed a Master's in Education from UCL. Martha is an educational researcher, with experience working with the UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning, as well as various NGOs. She is particularly interested in issues of access, inclusion and equity in education. Martha has a master’s in Education Policy from the Autonomous University of Barcelona and a BA in Sociology from Cambridge. Disclaimers This podcast aims to provide a balanced and research-informed discussion. Every effort has been made to include a range of perspectives. The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Yap Productions or any affiliated institutions. The series includes an anonymous interview with a former Michaela student. The views expressed reflect this individual’s personal experience and are not representative of all Michaela students. Yap Productions approached several former students, but only one agreed to take part. Michaela Community School and Katharine Birbalsingh were both offered the opportunity to respond to the issues raised in this series. No response was received . Thank you to the following experts for their contribution: Maria Arpa MBE Prof Stephen J. Ball Tom Bennett OBE Phil Beadle Katharine Birbalsingh CBE Professor Guy Claxton Chloe Combi Nomi Fitzsimons Dylan and Hayden (Teach Sleep Repeat Podcast) Professor Diane Reay Andreas Schleicher Dr Kay Sidebottom Contracts: Annisha Jhatakia Editor: Beau Falconer Music: Beth Hayden Producers: José Mario Dellow and Tessa Cooper Researchers/Hosts: Martha Aitken, José Mario Dellow, and Jack Park Sound: Billy Clark Voice Actor: Sofie Potter Recommended readingOn ‘Battle Hymn of the Tiger Teachers’ (2024) [Blog]. Phil Beadle. Available at: https://philbeadle.com/On-039Battle-Hymn-of-the-Tiger-Teachers039/68/ (https://philbeadle.com/On-039Battle-Hymn-of-the-Tiger-Teachers039/68/)
6 Nov 2025
Teach Sleep Repeat Pod: Teachers on the Failures in Education That Won't Be Fixed by Discipline Alone
In our first interview, host and researcher Jack speaks with teachers and podcasters Dylan and Hayden. Dylan Price and Hayden Stevens have spent years navigating the ups and downs of UK classrooms, teaching, learning, and doing their best to stay sane. Between them, they've tackled behaviour charts, curriculum overhauls, and every imaginable type of parent evening. Teach Sleep Repeat is their space to share what teaching is really like. No sugarcoating. No glossy brochure versions. Just honest conversations about the job, the students, the laughter, and the moments that make them question why they ever signed up. Jack is currently a Key Stage 2 teacher with a background in Art and Education studies, holding a Fine Art undergraduate degree and a Master's in 'Education: Culture, Language and Identity'. Previously, he worked for Action for Children in Hackney. He has a strong interest in democratic and radical education. Disclaimers This podcast aims to provide a balanced and research-informed discussion. Every effort has been made to include a range of perspectives. The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Yap Productions or any affiliated institutions. The series includes an anonymous interview with a former Michaela student. The views expressed reflect this individual’s personal experience and are not representative of all Michaela students. Yap Productions approached several former students, but only one agreed to take part. Michaela Community School and Katharine Birbalsingh were both offered the opportunity to respond to the issues raised in this series.
3 Nov 2025
Learning: Is Michaela Community School a Right Wing Approach to Education?
Young people face forwards all day. Every hand is up. During “turn to your partner” young people speak to the backs of each others heads. Is this what a love of learning looks like — or immaculate compliance? In this episode, we get under the skin of the "strictest classroom in Britain", and the routines and the philosophy that powers them. We probe the school’s self-described “small-c conservative values”: does that make Michaela a right-wing approach to education, or simply a clear set of principles? And we examine what it means to reject calls to decolonise the curriculum - for knowledge, for culture, and for the young people in the room. A sharp, respectful, and critical dive into practice and power — how do routines shape learning and how does it feel to experience learning at Michaela? Content warning: one use of strong language near the start of this episode. Graded is a creative and critical podcast that turns the tables on traditional school evaluation. Series 1 looks at Michaela Community School in Wembley, led by “Britain’s Strictest Headmistress”, Katharine Birbalsingh. Each of the 5 episodes explore a key question about Michaela by investigating its practices through storytelling, research, and debate. Michaela acts as a starting point for us to consider broader questions about schooling and education policy. Hosted by a team of inquisitive voices, educators and experts, the show blends personal reflection with rigorous inquiry. Host Bios Jack is currently a Key Stage 2 teacher with a background in Art and Education studies, holding a Fine Art undergraduate degree and a Master's in 'Education: Culture, Language and Identity'. Previously, he worked for Action for Children in Hackney. He has a strong interest in democratic and radical education. José Mario is an educator and artist, adopted from Guatemala and raised in Essex. They have a background in pastoral and safeguarding leadership in schools, having worked in London and Oxford. Their practice centres on care in education. Mario studied Fine Art at the University of Oxford and later completed a Master's in Education from UCL. Martha is an educational researcher, with experience working with the UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning, as well as various NGOs. She is particularly interested in issues of access, inclusion and equity in education. Martha has a master’s in Education Policy from the Autonomous University of Barcelona and a BA in Sociology from Cambridge. Disclaimers This podcast aims to provide a balanced and research-informed discussion. Every effort has been made to include a range of perspectives. The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Yap Productions or any affiliated institutions. The series includes an anonymous interview with a former Michaela student. The views expressed reflect this individual’s personal experience and are not representative of all Michaela students. Yap Productions approached several former students, but only one agreed to take part. Michaela Community School and Katharine Birbalsingh were both offered the opportunity to respond to the issues raised in this series. No response was received . Thank you to the following experts for their contribution: Maria Arpa MBE Prof Stephen J. Ball Tom Bennett OBE Phil Beadle Katharine Birbalsingh CBE Professor Guy Claxton Chloe Combi Nomi Fitzsimons Dylan and Hayden (Teach Sleep Repeat Podcast) Professor Diane Reay Andreas Schleicher Dr Kay Sidebottom Contracts: Annisha Jhatakia Editor: Beau Falconer Music: Beth Hayden Producers: José Mario Dellow and Tessa Cooper Researchers/Hosts: Martha Aitken, José Mario Dellow, and Jack Park Sound: Billy Clark Voice Actor: Sofie Potter Recommended reading On ‘Battle Hymn of the Tiger Teachers’ (2024) [Blog]. Phil Beadle. Available at: https://philbeadle.com/On-039Battle-Hymn-of-the-Tiger-Teachers039/68/ (https://philbeadle.com/On-039Battle-Hymn-of-the-Tiger-Teachers039/68/)
22 Oct 2025
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