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Inspiring Leaders Podcast

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by Inspiring Leaders

11 episodes

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Podcast Overview

The Inspiring Leaders Podcast is for people who care deeply about the future of education. Brought to you by Inspiring Leaders, a not-for-profit, sector-led organisation supporting schools and MATs to tackle the challenges in education , this podcast shares honest, values-driven conversations with school leaders, trust executives and system thinkers. Each episode explores leadership, innovation, and the real issues shaping schools - from inclusion and school culture to curriculum and technology, and much more. Join the conversation.

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Publishing Since

9/15/2025

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Recent Episodes

June 15, 2026

Workforce Futures: Apprenticeships, Equity and Career Pathways

In this episode we explore the growing role of apprenticeships in shaping the future education workforce. As schools and trusts face ongoing recruitment, retention and development challenges, apprenticeships are becoming an increasingly important tool for attracting new talent, widening access and creating meaningful career pathways.Our guests discuss how apprenticeships can support a more equitable workforce, the lessons learned from recruiting and developing apprentices and how trusts can make the most of the apprenticeship levy to upskill existing staff. The conversation also considers how strong apprenticeship pathways can contribute to leadership development, workforce sustainability, and long-term career progression.About our guestsTammy is Director of <a href="https://spencerteachingschoolhub.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Spencer Teaching School Hub</a>, at <a href="https://www.spencertrust.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Spencer Academies Trust</a>, and <a href="https://researchschool.org.uk/derby" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Derby Research School</a>. She is originally a secondary trained practitioner who moved into primary working in both inner city Birmingham and Derby. Her passion is supporting high quality teaching and learning to meet the needs of all learners, including our most disadvantaged. This commitment to addressing educational disadvantage became even more of a focus when she was fortunate to step into the role of Director of the Derby Research School. She believes that school leaders are empowered by engaging with evidence base, crafting their own bespoke school improvement journey to make the biggest impact. Andy is Director of Professional Learning in the <a href="https://www.prioryacademies.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Priory Federation of Academies Trust.</a> He sits on the Executive Committee of the Trust, and leads on developing the workforce, both teaching and non-teaching. Andy leads the Professional Learning Team within the Trust which delivers accredited Apprenticeship training and ITT Provision. Formerly Andy led Lincolnshire Teaching School Alliance, collaborating with others to lead the strategic approach to several county-wide initiatives, as well as supporting the improvement strategies for teaching and leadership. Andy designs and facilitates several leadership programmes at a local level, and has formerly led Teaching and Learning within a Senior Leadership Team, as well as being a Subject Leader and Advanced Skills Teacher in MFL.

May 4, 2026

Inclusion, Belonging and Professional Behaviours: How ITT Providers are Shaping the Workforce

Please note this episode was recorded before the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/every-child-achieving-and-thriving" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Education White Paper </a>was published.In this episode we explore how ITT providers are responding to the growing priority of inclusion, belonging, and professional behaviours in shaping the future workforce. Our guests reflect on how teacher training can nurture a strong sense of belonging, model inclusive practice, and set high yet realistic expectations for new entrants to the profession. The conversation highlights the role ITT plays in preparing teachers who can contribute positively to school communities and support all learners to thrive.About our guestsBecky has many years of experience working and teaching in schools, with a Masters in Education from Warwick University. She began her career as a Teach First Biology teacher working at Bluecoat Academy. Her leadership qualities were identified early on, along with her interest and passion for supporting early and beginning teachers, undertaking the role of ITE Co-ordinator. In 2013 as the newly appointed SCITT Manager she was heavily involved with the SCITT’s inception, programme planning and strategic development, taking up the role as <a href="https://www.bluecoatscittalliance.uk.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Head of SCITT</a> in 2016. In more recent years she developed her role as a Strategic School Leader following the NPQSL & NPQLTD programme. Becky has led the SCITT through two successful Ofsted inspections and now also has oversight of ECT development across <a href="https://www.archwaytrust.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Archway Learning Trust</a>, as well as leading Bluecoat SCITT. Becky puts the heart of the SCITT; its vision and commitment to trainees past, present and future in all she does to ensure the best possible outcomes for the trainees that join the programme.Dirk Smith is in his 25th year of teaching and has spent much of his career working in and leading two SEMH special schools in Leicester. He holds the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH), and after serving as Deputy Headteacher - helping both schools achieve Ofsted Outstanding ratings - he became the SCITT Director for <a href="https://inspiringleadersscitt.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Inspiring Leaders Teacher Training,</a> part of Inspiring Leaders. In this role, he leads the training of over 130 new teachers each year. He also chairs the Midlands ITT group for the DfE, facilitates NPQ qualifications, and coordinates seven subject-based Professional Leadership and Learning Communities.

March 18, 2026

What We're Learning from Peers and Partners

In this episode, we explore how peer learning and cross-trust collaboration are shaping stronger, more connected leadership across the education system. Our guests reflect on what they’ve learned through peer review, professional networks, and trust-to-trust partnerships, and discuss what makes these approaches genuinely impactful rather than simply performative.The conversation considers how MATs can embed collaborative learning into their leadership culture, the conditions that strengthen or weaken professional networks, and the next steps for deepening peer-based school improvement. A thoughtful and practical discussion about the role of collective insight in driving system-wide growth.About our guestsDavid Vernon has been with the <a href="https://www.diverseacademies.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Diverse Academies Trust</a> for over 20 years. Formerly Principal of Tuxford Academy, he now serves as Executive Principal for both Tuxford and East Leake Academy. He works closely with principals and senior leaders to drive education excellence for all students. David also plays a strategic role in leading the Diverse Association for Professional Learning which delivers high quality training to support the knowledge and skills on technical aspects of roles, leadership and coaching. His passions include school improvement, professional development, collaboration and building high-performing people and teams.Matthew Taylor is the Director of Strategic IT and Infrastructure at <a href="https://www.spencertrust.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Spencer Academies Trust</a>, where he champions collaborative, equitable, and system minded approaches to digital improvement. He works closely with peers, partners, and cross trust networks to strengthen leadership practice, share insight, and build collective capacity. His work emphasises learning from others, co designing solutions, and ensuring every school benefits from high quality, sustainable digital provision. Alongside his role, Matt is a magistrate and an MBA Senior Leader apprentice, bringing strong governance and a commitment to public service to his wider contribution.

11 total episodes available

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What is Inspiring Leaders Podcast?: The Inspiring Leaders Podcast is for people who care deeply about the future of education.

Brought to you by Inspiring Leaders, a not-for-profit, sector-led organisation supporting schools and MATs to tackle the challenges in education , this podcast shares honest, values-driven conversations with school leaders, trust executives and system thinkers.

Each episode explores leadership, innovation, and the real issues shaping schools - from inclusion and school culture to curriculum and technology, and much more.

Join the conversation.
How often does this podcast release new episodes?: This podcast updates daily.
Where can I listen to this podcast?: This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
Does this podcast accept guests?: Information about guest appearances is not available.

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