Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner, UK-based and internationally-recognized education authors and consultants, have a lot on their minds. From best practices in classroom teaching to sustaining PD that makes an impact, they’re aware of the techniques that work, those that don’t, and the gaps that exist in education systems, within and across nations. In this podcast, they present proven strategies and interview experts from around the globe to share timely insights on K-12 trends; research-based approaches in need of greater reach; and innovative strategies to close global gaps.
Mind the Gap: Making Education Work Across the Globe
Claim This Podcastby Tom Sherrington & Emma Turner
4.7(27 reviews)
125 episodes
Updated Weekly
Accepts GuestsHas SponsorsLocation 🇬🇧
66
Podcast Authority
BetaGoodBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
Quality61
Social0
YouTube85
Engagement92
Podcast Overview
Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner, UK-based and internationally-recognized education authors and consultants, have a lot on their minds. From best practices in classroom teaching to sustaining PD that makes an impact, they’re aware of the techniques that work, those that don’t, and the gaps that exist in education systems, within and across nations. In this podcast, they present proven strategies and interview experts from around the globe to share timely insights on K-12 trends; research-based approaches in need of greater reach; and innovative strategies to close global gaps.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
6/2/2020
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66
Podcast Authority
BetaGoodBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
Quality61
Social0
YouTube85
Engagement92
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excellent
Episode Length
55 minutes
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Recent Episodes
May 29, 2026
Where the Magic Happens: Inside an Exceptional EYFS Classroom with Dixie-Louise Dexter, Mind the Gap, Ep.123 (S6,E21)
<p>On this episode of Mind the Gap, Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner are joined by Dixie-Louise Dexter, Assistant Head, EYFS lead and English lead, for a rich and practical exploration of what high-quality early years provision really looks like. Dixie shares how her team creates the “magic” of reception through meticulous attention to detail: a carefully planned induction process, strong relationships with families, home and preschool visits, and a learning environment shaped around each cohort’s needs. The conversation explores why wellbeing, safety and involvement come first, how “going slow” at the start helps children go further later, and how continuous provision can be deliberately designed to build communication, language, independence and curriculum knowledge. They also discuss transition into Key Stage 1, mixed-age Year 1–2 classes, and why the question should not be whether children are “ready” for Year 1, but whether Year 1 is ready for them.</p><p>With over 15 years teaching experience in EYFS, Dixie-Louise Dexter has been successfully leading the Early Years Foundation Stage at Ashby Hill Top for the past 7 years. During that time, she has developed a highly skilled team and an inspirational learning environment in which children thrive, consistently achieving above national average outcomes. Dixie cultivates a research-based approach in daily practice and has provided support to EYFS practitioners in a range of schools both locally and further afield, guiding them to further develop their practice in curriculum development and continuous provision as well as the role of the adult in the EYFS. As well as this, she worked as an EYFSP moderator for the Local Authority, completed further qualifications in Early Years Speech & Language, and is currently undertaking an NPQH.</p><p>Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specialising in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on X <a href="https://twitter.com/teacherhead">@teacherhead</a><a href="https://twitter.com/teacherhead"></a><a href="https://twitter.com/teacherhead"></a></p><p>Emma Turner FCCT is a school improvement advisor, education consultant, trainer and author. She has almost three decades of primary teaching, headship and leadership experience across the sector, working and leading in both MATs and LAs. She works nationally and internationally on school improvement including at single school level and at scale. She has a particular interest in research informed practice in the primary phase, early career development, and CPD design. Follow Emma on X <a href="https://twitter.com/Emma_Turner75">@emma_turner75</a></p><p>This podcast is sponsored by Teaching WalkThrus and produced in association with Haringey Education Partnership. Find out more at <a href="https://walkthrus.co.uk/">https://walkthrus.co.uk/</a> and <a href="https://haringeyeducationpartnership.co.uk/">https://haringeyeducationpartnership.co.uk/</a></p>
May 15, 2026
Teaching Through Examples: The Power of Direct Instruction with Tom Needham, Mind the Gap, Ep.122 (S6,E20)
<p>On this episode of Mind the Gap, Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner are joined by Tom Needham - teacher, school leader, and author of Engelmann’s Direct Instruction in Action - to explore what direct instruction really means. Marking the final book in the In Action series, the conversation digs into Siegfried Engelmann’s work, from the power of carefully sequenced examples and non-examples to the importance of “sameness,” big ideas, generative content, and tightly designed practice. Tom explains how direct instruction transformed his teaching of English, particularly for pupils who had struggled with writing, spelling and foundational skills, while also showing how its principles apply across subjects from maths and science to history and geography. Along the way, they discuss the philosophical and practical objections to scripted programmes, the role of teacher expertise in curriculum design, and why precise instruction can be a route to greater pupil success, confidence and independence.</p><p>Tom Needham has been teaching for nearly twenty years. He has previously taught English in International schools in Malaysia and Nigeria; EFL in Bangkok and Harrogate, as well as Sociology, Media Studies and all the Humanities in Croydon. He is author of Explicit English Teaching, and most recently Engelmann's Direct Instruction in Action, which will be available on the 19th of June. Tom is currently an Assistant Headteacher at a school in Charlton.</p><p>Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specialising in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on X <a href="https://twitter.com/teacherhead" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@teacherhead</a><a href="https://twitter.com/teacherhead" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://twitter.com/teacherhead" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"></a></p><p>Emma Turner FCCT is a school improvement advisor, education consultant, trainer and author. She has almost three decades of primary teaching, headship and leadership experience across the sector, working and leading in both MATs and LAs. She works nationally and internationally on school improvement including at single school level and at scale. She has a particular interest in research informed practice in the primary phase, early career development, and CPD design. Follow Emma on X <a href="https://twitter.com/Emma_Turner75" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@emma_turner75</a></p><p>This podcast is sponsored by Teaching WalkThrus and produced in association with Haringey Education Partnership. Find out more at <a href="https://walkthrus.co.uk/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://walkthrus.co.uk/</a> and <a href="https://haringeyeducationpartnership.co.uk/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://haringeyeducationpartnership.co.uk/</a></p>
May 1, 2026
Lighting the Fire: Motivation and Meaning in Teaching with Christian Mba, Mind the Gap, Ep.121 (S6,E19)
<p>On this episode of Mind the Gap, Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner are joined by Christian Mba, who is a vice principal, speaker, content creator, and now author of the upcoming book, Teach Like Your Heart Is On Fire. The trio engage in an uplifting conversation about purpose, passion and the moral imperative at the heart of teaching. Christian reflects on his journey into education, the teachers and mentors who shaped him, and why he wants to 'talk up' the profession at a time when its challenges can dominate the narrative. The discussion explores the importance of knowing your why, finding your own authentic voice as a teacher, and balancing evidence-informed practice with the character, conviction and humanity that make great teaching come alive. Along the way, Christian shares ideas from the book’s three-part structure - character, capacity, and culture - including the power of big, ambitious goals, the role of education as a leveller, and the responsibility teachers have to open up possibility for every young person in front of them.</p><p>Christian Mba is a senior school leader working in secondary education in England. Born and raised in London, he taught in the capital for over a decade before moving into senior leadership, with experience spanning a range of complex and high-challenge school contexts. His leadership work has included responsibility for teaching and learning, behaviour, personal development, inclusion, character education, and professional development. Alongside his school-based role, Christian is a Programme Lead for a Middle Leadership development programme within a large Multi-Academy Trust and serves as a School Governor in a local secondary school. His new book, Teach Like Your Heart Is on Fire, is out on 29 May, 2026.</p><p>Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specialising in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on X <a href="https://twitter.com/teacherhead">@teacherhead</a><a href="https://twitter.com/teacherhead"></a><a href="https://twitter.com/teacherhead"></a></p><p>Emma Turner FCCT is a school improvement advisor, education consultant, trainer and author. She has almost three decades of primary teaching, headship and leadership experience across the sector, working and leading in both MATs and LAs. She works nationally and internationally on school improvement including at single school level and at scale. She has a particular interest in research informed practice in the primary phase, early career development, and CPD design. Follow Emma on X <a href="https://twitter.com/Emma_Turner75">@emma_turner75</a></p><p>This podcast is sponsored by Teaching WalkThrus and produced in association with Haringey Education Partnership. Find out more at <a href="https://walkthrus.co.uk/">https://walkthrus.co.uk/</a> and <a href="https://haringeyeducationpartnership.co.uk/">https://haringeyeducationpartnership.co.uk/</a></p>
125 total episodes available
Recent guests on Mind the Gap: Making Education Work Across the Globe
Guests from recent episodes — sign up to see every guest that has ever appeared on this show.
Patrick Cozier
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Bruce Robertson
Guest
Bronwyn Ryrie Jones
Guest
Jenny Anderson
Guest
Tom Sherrington
Guest
Shareen Wilkinson
Guest
Dr Neil Gilbride CPSychol
Guest
Saaed Atcha MBE
Guest
Zach Groshell PhD
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