- 14
- Episodes
- Monthly
- Cadence
- 2026
- First episode
About No Silver Bullets Podcast
The No Silver Bullets Podcast cuts through the noise of school leadership and focuses on what really drives improvement. Hosted by writer and education leader Paul Ainsworth, Series 1 explores The Nine Steps to Executive Headship — a practical framework for leading across multiple schools. Across eighteen episodes, Paul speaks with Executive Heads, CEOs and leading thinkers including Ross McGill, Sam Strickland, Emma Knights, Sam Gibbs, Kulvarn Atwal, James Pembroke and Richard Selfridge. Together, they unpack the realities of system leadership: building vision, developing people, improving teaching, strengthening behaviour, using data intelligently and getting governance right. Whether you’re aspiring to Executive Headship, new to the role or refining your model, this series offers clarity, challenge and grounded wisdom. New episodes released fortnightly. No shortcuts. No gimmicks. No silver bullets — just thoughtful leadership that makes a difference. To find out more: See my website - Day in, day out, school improvement. – Paul K. Ainsworth – 'There are no silver bullets' (https://paulkainsworth.wordpress.com/) Or my books: NO SILVER BULLETS 2.0: HEART AND SOUL OF SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT : AINSWORTH, PAUL K.: (https://www.amazon.co.uk/NO-SILVER-BULLETS-2-0-IMPROVEMENT/dp/B0CW9GSK94)Amazon.co.uk (http://Amazon.co.uk): Books (https://www.amazon.co.uk/NO-SILVER-BULLETS-2-0-IMPROVEMENT/dp/B0CW9GSK94) No silver bullets: Day in, day out school improvement : Ainsworth, Mr Paul K .: (https://www.amazon.co.uk/No-silver-bullets-school-improvement/dp/B08TQ4FC7X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CqugQmIoazBLcn7icWmYL5XW0VB4Neae-7CrfOQ5e-2h6H1UnT-aGR-vpk1hYGeRpPBWy3bwjiIbK9vy2cjqldcYhoLCWheH_2yBJ2UR7DUyxcHVy2BVvmF-r4oA3q7tdcfi-g33aklBAXavY_UEuw.51Af_5_CZmzeo1yLSl-r8RsrOrK8rk5rG9aICFA9ET0)Amazon.co.uk (http://Amazon.co.uk): Books (https://www.amazon.co.uk/No-silver-bullets-school-improvement/dp/B08TQ4FC7X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CqugQmIoazBLcn7icWmYL5XW0VB4Neae-7CrfOQ5e-2h6H1UnT-aGR-vpk1hYGeRpPBWy3bwjiIbK9vy2cjqldcYhoLCWheH_2yBJ2UR7DUyxcHVy2BVvmF-r4oA3q7tdcfi-g33aklBAXavY_UEuw.51Af_5_CZmzeo1yLSl-r8RsrOrK8rk5rG9aICFA9ET0)
- Publisher
- Paul Ainsworth
- Category
- business · education
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 30 Apr 2026
- Latest episode
- 14 Oct 2026
Latest episodes
14 episodes in the feed.
14 Oct 2026
Step 8: Delivering Continual Improvement - A School Leadership Podcast with Sam Gibbs
In this episode, Paul Ainsworth speaks with Sam Gibbs, Director of Professional Learning at the Greater Manchester Education Trust, to explore Step 8 of the Nine Steps to Executive Headship: delivering continual improvement. Sam offers a thoughtful and deeply practical perspective on how leaders can build cultures where improvement is developmental, humane and grounded in professional learning. She discusses the importance of psychological safety, the need for clarity about what change is for, and why habits matter more than pace. The conversation explores how trust wide systems can support teachers to grow, how to dismantle barriers created by appraisal and performativity, and how co‑construction strengthens both culture and practice. Sam also explains how GMET has developed a shared language of excellence, how professional learning goals align with school priorities, and why subject communities of practice can transform collaboration across schools. This episode supports Paul’s forthcoming book, Nine Steps to Executive Headship, published by Routledge in Autumn 2026. Connect Follow Paul on LinkedIn: Paul K. Ainsworth | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-k-ainsworth-20b0a41a/) Follow Sam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-gibbs-01418ab0/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-gibbs-01418ab0/) Find out about the book: https://www.routledge.com/Nine-Steps-to-Executive-Headship-A-Practical-Guide-to-Systems-Leadership-Across-Multiple-Schools/Ainsworth/p/book/9781041274117 (https://www.routledge.com/Nine-Steps-to-Executive-Headship-A-Practical-Guide-to-Systems-Leadership-Across-Multiple-Schools/Ainsworth/p/book/9781041274117) Read the companion blog: Blog – Day in, day out, school improvement. (https://paulkainsworth.wordpress.com/blog-2/) Explore Sam's work: Love the One You're With: Why teachers stay and what we can learn from them (https://amzn.eu/d/0jjOXmzt) The Trouble with English and How to Address It: A Practical Guide to Designing and Delivering a Concept-Led Curriculum (https://amzn.eu/d/09GfWg6W)
30 Sept 2026
Step 7: Developing Effective Data Usage - with James Pembroke and Richard Selfridge
The No Silver Bullets Podcast — Series 2: The Nine Steps to Executive Headship In this episode, Paul Ainsworth is joined by James Pembroke and Richard Selfridge, co‑authors of Data Proof Your School, to explore Step 7 of the Nine Steps to Executive Headship: developing effective data usage. James and Richard offer clear, practical guidance on how leaders can simplify data systems, improve reliability and ensure that information genuinely supports school improvement. They discuss the illusion of accuracy in teacher assessment, the value of standardised testing, and the importance of consistency across schools. The conversation covers how to build a purposeful assessment strategy, how to avoid distortion when staff feel judged by data, and how leaders can keep data simple and focused on learning. Their advice is particularly helpful for executive headteachers working across more than one school. About the Series This episode is part of the Nine Steps to Executive Headship series, supporting Paul’s forthcoming book: 📘 Nine Steps to Executive Headship, published by Routledge in December 2026. Connect Follow Paul on LinkedIn: Paul K. Ainsworth | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-k-ainsworth-20b0a41a/) Find out about the book: https://www.routledge.com/Nine-Steps-to-Executive-Headship-A-Practical-Guide-to-Systems-Leadership-Across-Multiple-Schools/Ainsworth/p/book/9781041274117 (https://www.routledge.com/Nine-Steps-to-Executive-Headship-A-Practical-Guide-to-Systems-Leadership-Across-Multiple-Schools/Ainsworth/p/book/9781041274117) Find out about Insight Inform: https://www.insightinform.co.uk/ (https://www.insightinform.co.uk/) Read the companion blog: Blog – Day in, day out, school improvement. (https://paulkainsworth.wordpress.com/blog-2/) Explore Richard’s work: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Richard-Selfridge/author/B09FQ781PX (https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Richard-Selfridge/author/B09FQ781PX)
16 Sept 2026
Step 6: Impactful Quality Assurance - A School Leadership Podcast with Lianne Lomas
The No Silver Bullets Podcast — Series 2: The Nine Steps to Executive Headship How do executive leaders really know what’s happening in their schools when they’re not there? In this episode, Paul Ainsworth speaks with Lianne Lomas, Director of School Improvement at the Mater Christi Trust, to explore Step 6: Impactful Quality Assurance. Lianne leads improvement across 18 Catholic schools in Cumbria and North Lancashire. She shares practical, honest insights into building trust‑wide quality assurance that is coherent, developmental and grounded in collective responsibility. You’ll hear: How QA becomes an organisational act, not an individual task Why shared language and codified practice reduce variation across schools How cluster‑based peer review strengthens accuracy and belonging The trust’s Quality Development Review Cycle The balance between monitoring and development — “weighing the pig vs growing the pig” How geography, time and capacity shape QA in rural MATs Why QA must be systematic, low‑stakes and improvement‑focused If you’re an executive head, CEO or aspiring system leader, this episode offers clear principles and practical tools for building quality assurance across multiple schools. About the Series Part of the Nine Steps to Executive Headship series, supporting Paul’s forthcoming book: 📘 Nine Steps to Executive Headship — Routledge, Autumn 2026. Next episode: Step 7 — Effective Data Usage, featuring James Pembroke and Richard Selfridge from Insight Inform. Connect Follow Paul on LinkedIn: Paul K. Ainsworth | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-k-ainsworth-20b0a41a/) Follow Paul on Instagram: Paul K Ainsworth (@paulkainsworth) • Instagram photos and videos (https://www.instagram.com/paulkainsworth) Follow Lianne on LinkedIn: Lianne Lomas | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lianne-lomas-87553618a/) Read the companion blog: Blog – Day in, day out, school improvement. (https://paulkainsworth.wordpress.com/blog-2/)
9 Sept 2026
Step 5: Developing the Curriculum - A School Leadership Podcast with Ben Erskine
Episode 1: Step 5 — Developing the Curriculum (with Ben Erskine) The No Silver Bullets Podcast — Series 2: The Nine Steps to Executive Headship What does it really take to build a coherent, equitable curriculum across multiple schools? In this episode, Paul Ainsworth is joined by Ben Erskine, Executive Principal and now CEO‑Designate of the Four Cs MAT, to explore Step 5 of the Nine Steps to Executive Headship: Developing the Curriculum. Ben leads four primary academies within a seven‑school trust, each with distinct contexts — from large inner‑city primaries to rapidly growing township schools. Drawing on his experience of system leadership, curriculum design and trust‑wide collaboration, Ben offers a grounded, highly practical look at what it means to shape curriculum at scale. This conversation digs into: Curriculum equity vs professional autonomy — how executive leaders strike the right balance The power of trust‑wide collaboration and why shared curriculum work reduces workload and increases quality Sequencing, coherence and knowledge progression — and why high‑level subject expertise matters The role of the executive principal in shaping curriculum across effective schools Barriers to building a trust‑wide curriculum — time, pace, workload, and how to overcome them Developing leaders through cross‑school curriculum projects Why pace is everything — moving fast enough to maintain momentum, but slow enough to keep trust Servant leadership, influence and system‑wide impact — Ben’s advice for new and aspiring executive heads Ben also shares examples from the Four Cs MAT, including trust‑wide writing development, direct instruction approaches, and how collaboration across schools is becoming essential in a tightening financial landscape. If you’re an executive head, CEO, senior leader or aspiring system leader, this episode offers clear principles, practical strategies and honest reflections on what it takes to build a curriculum that genuinely serves every child — regardless of school, postcode or teacher. About the Series This episode is part of the Nine Steps to Executive Headship series, supporting Paul’s forthcoming book: 📘 Nine Steps to Executive Headship, published by Routledge in Autumn 2026. Connect Follow Paul on LinkedIn: Paul K. Ainsworth | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-k-ainsworth-20b0a41a/) Follow Paul on Instagram: Paul K Ainsworth (@paulkainsworth) • Instagram photos and videos (https://www.instagram.com/paulkainsworth) Follow Ben on LinkedIn: Ben Erskine | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-erskine-7a9200338/) Follow Ben on Substack: Ben Erskine | Substack (https://benerskine.substack.com/) Read the companion blog: Blog – Day in, day out, school improvement. (https://paulkainsworth.wordpress.com/blog-2/)
1 Jul 2026
Step 4: Turning Processes into Behaviour Habits - A School Leadership Podcast with Sam Strickland
Step 4: Turning Processes into Behaviour Habits — with Sam Strickland In this episode of The No Silver Bullets Podcast — a leading school leadership podcast for executive heads, trust leaders and coaches — Paul Ainsworth is joined by Sam Strickland, Principal of The Duston School and CEO of The Luminara, a DfE Behaviour Hub Lead School, and acclaimed author of Education Exposed, The Behaviour Manual and They Don’t Behave for Me. Following last week’s conversation on Turning Processes into Teaching Habits with Ross McGill, this episode continues to explore Step 4 of the Nine Steps to Executive Headship by considering Turning Processes into Behaviour Habits — and Sam brings deep, practical insight from leading a 2000‑pupil all‑through school. If you’re searching for an educational leadership podcast or a leadership podcast for coaches, this conversation is packed with actionable guidance. Sam shares: Why processes only matter when they become living, breathing habits How to narrate the why so staff and pupils genuinely buy in The values‑driven behaviour system used from age 4 to 19 How to build consistency across multiple phases without becoming robotic Why culture change requires “dogged relentlessness” How to train staff, induct pupils and sustain routines across the year The leadership structures that unleash capacity in a large, complex school How he supports CEOs and executive heads through Behaviour Hub work This is a rich, practical conversation for executive heads, trust leaders and anyone responsible for behaviour, culture and teaching at scale — and a standout episode for anyone looking for a high‑quality leadership podcast. 🎧 Listen now to learn how to turn processes into habits that stick. About the Series This episode is part of the Nine Steps to Executive Headship series, supporting Paul’s forthcoming book: 📘 Nine Steps to Executive Headship, published by Routledge in Autumn 2026. Connect Follow Paul on LinkedIn: Paul K. Ainsworth | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-k-ainsworth-20b0a41a/) Follow Sam on LinkedIn: Sam Strickland | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-strickland-587301b7/) Read the companion blog: Blog – Day in, day out, school improvement. (https://paulkainsworth.wordpress.com/blog-2/) Explore Sam’s work: Amazon.co.uk (http://Amazon.co.uk): Samuel Strickland: books, biography, latest update (https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Samuel-Strickland/author/B0BYZZNKDD?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true)
24 Jun 2026
Reflecting on Step 4: Turning processes into habits with Ross McGill
Reflecting on Step 4: Turning Processes into Habits In this short reflection episode of The No Silver Bullets Podcast, Paul Ainsworth explores Step 4 of The Nine Steps to Executive Headship: Turning Processes into Habits. Drawing on insights from Ross McGill (Teacher Toolkit), Paul unpacks why habits matter more than policies, how leaders build coherence over consistency, and why improvement must outweigh monitoring. A powerful listen for anyone seeking a school leadership podcast, an educational leadership podcast, or a leadership podcast for coaches focused on practical, research‑informed strategies. Next week: Sam Strickland on turning behaviour processes into habits.
17 Jun 2026
Step 4: Turning Processes into Teaching Habits — Educational Leadership Podcast with Ross McGill
In this episode of The No Silver Bullets Podcast — a leading school leadership podcast for executive heads, trust leaders and coaches — Paul Ainsworth is joined by Ross McGill, globally known as Teacher Toolkit, one of the most influential educators in the UK and author of 13 books on teaching and learning. Following last week’s conversation with Donna Winters on unleashing leadership capacity, this episode dives into Step 4 of the Nine Steps to Executive Headship: Turning Processes into Habits — and Ross brings a masterclass in how schools can embed routines that genuinely improve teaching and learning. If you’re searching for an educational leadership podcast or a leadership podcast for coaches, this conversation is packed with practical insight. Ross shares: Why habits matter more than policies How to simplify Rosenshine’s 17 principles into four memorable habits The difference between consistency and coherence How executive leaders can use the macro–meso–micro model to influence practice across multiple schools Why implementation takes “18 months to four years” — and how to plan for it His powerful “upside‑down staircase” model for embedding routines The unforgettable “weighing the pig vs growing the pig” analogy that every leader should hear This is a rich, practical conversation for executive heads, trust leaders and anyone responsible for improving teaching and learning at scale — and a standout episode for anyone looking for a high‑quality leadership podcast. 🎧 Listen now to learn how to turn processes into habits that stick. About the Series This episode is part of the Nine Steps to Executive Headship series, supporting Paul’s forthcoming book: 📘 Nine Steps to Executive Headship, published by Routledge in Autumn 2026. Connect Follow Paul on LinkedIn: Paul K Ainsworth https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-k-ainsworth-20b0a41a/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-k-ainsworth-20b0a41a/) Read the companion blog: Blog – Day in, day out, school improvement. (https://paulkainsworth.wordpress.com/blog-2/) Explore Ross’s work: Teacher Toolkit https://www.teachertoolkit.co.uk/ (https://www.teachertoolkit.co.uk/) Read Ross’s books: https://www.teachertoolkit.co.uk/books/ (https://www.teachertoolkit.co.uk/books/)
10 Jun 2026
Reflecting on Step 3: Unleashing the capacity of your team with Donna Winters
In this reflective episode of The No Silver Bullets Podcast: The Nine Steps to Executive Headship, Paul Ainsworth revisits his conversation with Donna Winters, Executive Head of the Spires Federation in Lincolnshire, and explores what her leadership reveals about Step 3: Unleashing the Capacity of Your Team. Donna leads three small rural schools — Digby, Dunston and Nocton — and her federation offers a powerful example of how executive leadership can create capacity rather than consume it. Paul reflects on Donna’s honesty, her innovative leadership structure, and the systems she has built to ensure clarity, trust and consistency across all three schools. This episode explores: Why executive headship requires a shift from doing to enabling Donna’s key insight: “You cannot do it all — and that is okay” How resisting the replication of leadership posts can strengthen a federation The impact of shared subject leadership across small schools How clear systems, flow charts and communication structures unlock capacity Why caring for your team is a leadership strategy, not a soft skill Paul also connects Donna’s insights to the arguments in Step 3 of The Nine Steps to Executive Headship, publishing at the end of 2026. Looking ahead, Paul previews next week’s episode on Step 4: Turning Processes into Habits, featuring Ross McGill (Teacher Toolkit) and Sam Strickland. If Step 3 is about unleashing capacity, Step 4 is about what that capacity does in classrooms — through routines, modelling and consistent teaching habits. If you find these reflections useful, please like, comment, subscribe and share the podcast with colleagues. Your support helps the series reach more leaders — and ultimately, more children.
3 Jun 2026
Step 3: Unleashing the capacity of your team with Donna Winters
In this episode of The No Silver Bullets Podcast, Paul speaks with Donna Winters, Executive Headteacher of the Spires Federation in Lincolnshire. Leading three small rural primary schools — Digby, Dunston and Nocton — Donna has developed a distinctive and highly effective leadership model that distributes expertise across the federation rather than replicating roles on each site. Donna explains how she reshaped the senior team into a three‑person structure working across all schools, why trust is the foundation of unleashing capacity, and how shared subject leadership has transformed curriculum quality. She also reflects on the federation’s remarkable improvement journey, including Digby’s move from double RI to Outstanding. Listeners will hear practical insights on: Designing leadership structures that increase capacity without increasing cost Building trust so colleagues feel empowered to lead Creating consistent systems across multiple schools Developing subject leadership across a federation Managing communication, visibility and parental relationships as an Executive Head Balancing strategic oversight with the realities of three small schools A thoughtful, grounded conversation full of real‑world examples from a leader who has built a federation model that genuinely works for staff, pupils and communities.
27 May 2026
Reflecting on Step 2: Fostering a shared purpose with Dr Kulvarn Atwal
n this reflective episode of The No Silver Bullets Podcast: The Nine Steps to Executive Headship, Paul Ainsworth revisits his powerful conversation with Kulvarn Atwal, Executive Headteacher of Uphall Primary School and Highlands Primary School, and explores what leaders can learn from Step 2: Fostering a shared purposed. The conversation reflects on fostering a shared purpose in school leadership, emphasizing the importance of values, consistency, and emotional landscape. It also explores the challenges and strategies for building shared purpose in a federation of schools. Takeaways Shared purpose is felt, not written Consistency is a consequence of shared purpose, not a substitute for it How these ideas connect to the forthcoming book The Nine Steps to Executive Headship (publishing end of 2026) Paul also previews next week’s episode with Donna Winters, focusing on Step 3: Unleashing the capacity of your team — the perfect follow‑on from today’s themes. Finally, Paul invites listeners to take part in recorded discussions about the episodes. If you’d like to receive an advance podcast and share your reflections on air, get in touch.
20 May 2026
Step 2: Fostering a shared purpose with Dr Kulvarn Atwal
Fostering a Shared Purpose — Step 2 with Dr Kulvarn Atwal In this episode of The No Silver Bullets Podcast, Paul speaks with Dr Kulvarn Atwal, Executive Headteacher of Highlands and Uphall Primary Schools in Redbridge. Known for his values‑driven leadership and research into teacher learning, Kulvarn explores what it truly means to build a shared purpose across two large and very different school communities. He explains why shared purpose starts with values, not actions, and how leaders can model those values so they cascade through every layer of the organisation. Kulvarn shares the story of taking on Uphall — a five‑form‑entry, high‑disadvantage, double‑RI school — and how deep listening, trust‑building and a relentless focus on teacher learning led to remarkable improvement, including disadvantaged outcomes above national advantaged averages. Listeners will hear practical advice on: Leading authentically across multiple schools Building trust in a struggling setting Creating one learning community while respecting context Staying visible, calm and present as an executive leader Designing sustainable structures that outlast individuals A powerful, honest conversation about leadership, values and the real work of bringing people together around a shared purpose. Links: The Thinking School: Developing a dynamic learning community (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thinking-School-Developing-learning-community/dp/1912906023/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3L6QI2WNUFA2S&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.AhfuhVBea7ZWRVuLC1WFXhjRLhk1oz-MRKwxRIbthis.IqH4PXOpRFVxBnYGhaXL0FaMi51SsszfVUz4Wwqria8&dib_tag=se&keywords=kulvarn+atwal&qid=1778850092&sprefix=Kulvarn+%2Caps%2C247&sr=8-1) The Thinking Teacher: How to transform your mindset and your teaching (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thinking-Teacher-transform-mindset-teaching/dp/191526166X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0) Follow Kulvarn on X (https://x.com/Thinkingschool2)
14 May 2026
Reflecting on Step 1: Building one vision with Anthony Benedict
n this reflective episode of The No Silver Bullets Podcast: The Nine Steps to Executive Headship, Paul Ainsworth revisits his powerful conversation with Anthony Benedict, CEO of Ambition Community Trust, and explores what leaders can learn from Step 1: Building One Vision. Anthony’s clarity of purpose — “I came into teaching to change the world” — sets the tone for a discussion about why executive leadership must begin with a deeply personal and child‑centred “why”. Paul unpacks how Anthony’s approach to relational inclusion, staff culture, and co‑constructed vision aligns with the core arguments of Step 1. This episode explores: Why your personal ‘why’ matters more than any document or strategy Vision as a lived practice, not a laminated poster How Anthony built a culture rooted in relational inclusion The role of collaboration, co‑construction, and shared language Why a vision only becomes real when staff, pupils, and parents echo it back How these ideas connect to the forthcoming book The Nine Steps to Executive Headship (publishing end of 2026) Paul also previews next week’s episode with Dr Kulvarn Atwal, focusing on Step 2: Fostering a Shared Purpose — the perfect follow‑on from today’s themes. Finally, Paul invites listeners to take part in recorded discussions about the episodes. If you’d like to receive an advance podcast and share your reflections on air, get in touch. Links Educating Everyone by Anthony Benedict - Educating Everyone: An Introduction to Relational Inclusion in Schools (https://www.routledge.com/Educating-Everyone-An-Introduction-to-Relational-Inclusion-in-Schools/Benedict-Braven/p/book/9781032874838) Anthony’s Substack on relational inclusion - Anthony Benedict | Substack (https://anthonybenedict.substack.com/) Trauma Informed Schools UK - Trauma Informed Schools UK (https://www.trauma-informed.uk/) The Nine Steps to Executive Headship — publishing end of 2026
6 May 2026
Step 1: Building one vision with Anthony Benedict
Series 1: The Nine Steps to Executive Headship Episode 1 — Step 1: Building a Vision (with Anthony Benedict) In this episode, Paul Ainsworth speaks with Anthony Benedict, CEO of Ambition Community Trust and former Executive Headteacher of Tameside PRU. Anthony is also the author of Educating Everyone and a leading voice on relational inclusion. Together, they explore Step 1: Building a Vision — how Executive Heads create a clear, values‑driven vision across multiple schools, and what it takes to make that vision lived rather than laminated. Anthony shares his personal “why,” shaped by years working with disadvantaged pupils and a desire to change the system from within. He reflects on stepping into Executive Headship during Covid, leading two PRU centres while also working to reduce permanent exclusions across the local authority, and realising how much he still had to learn. The conversation covers practical strategies including developing a 100‑day plan, investing in meaningful CPD, and building a culture rooted in relational inclusion. Anthony explains how he co‑constructed policies with staff, introduced daily regulation routines, and created Relational Inclusion Champions to support pupils at risk of exclusion. This episode offers a powerful look at how clarity, humanity and moral purpose can shape leadership across complex settings. Key Themes Finding your personal “why” Leading across multiple sites The role of a 100‑day plan Trauma‑informed and relational practice Moving from behaviour policies to relational policies Co‑constructing culture with staff Daily regulation routines Relational Inclusion Champions Creating a trust‑wide vision that is lived, not laminated About the Guest Anthony Benedict is CEO of Ambition Community Trust, serving PRU and SEMH schools across Greater Manchester. A former mainstream English teacher, head of department, deputy head and headteacher, he moved into Executive Headship to make a deeper impact on vulnerable young people. He is the author of Educating Everyone and writes a widely read Substack on relational inclusion. Timestamps 00:00 — Introduction 01:20 — Anthony’s “why” 03:30 — Leading more than one school 06:00 — CPD that shapes leadership 08:20 — Becoming Executive Head of Tameside PRU 10:30 — Balancing two centres and LA‑wide work 12:00 — The 100‑day plan 14:00 — Building a trust‑wide vision 16:00 — Guiding principles and relational inclusion 20:00 — Bringing the vision to life 23:00 — Co‑constructing culture 25:00 — Daily regulation routines 27:30 — Relational Inclusion Champions 30:00 — Staying grounded as a leader Links Educating Everyone by Anthony Benedict - Educating Everyone: An Introduction to Relational Inclusion in Schools (https://www.routledge.com/Educating-Everyone-An-Introduction-to-Relational-Inclusion-in-Schools/Benedict-Braven/p/book/9781032874838) Anthony’s Substack on relational inclusion - Anthony Benedict | Substack (https://anthonybenedict.substack.com/) Trauma Informed Schools UK - Trauma Informed Schools UK (https://www.trauma-informed.uk/)
30 Apr 2026
Introducing the Nine Steps to Executive Headship
The No Silver Bullets podcast introduces the Nine Steps to Executive Headship, providing a structured approach to understanding and practicing executive headship. The conversation begins with an introduction to executive headship and then delves into the role of an executive head, highlighting the skills, challenges, and goals associated with the position. Takeaways Nine Steps to Executive Headship Structured approach to executive headship Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Executive Headship
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