In this episode of the podcast, we are joined in a thought-provoking conversation with Joe Lowther, who shares his journey from being a principal to leading KICK, a Christian organisation dedicated to transforming young people's lives through sport and support. The discussion covers the importance of physical activity in education, the mental health challenges faced by youth, and the role of mentoring and coaching in fostering resilience. Joe emphasises the need for a holistic approach to education that prioritises character development alongside academic achievement, and he highlights the joy found in overcoming challenges and building hope for the future.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Holiday Cheer01:51 Meet Joe Lowther02:51 Transitioning Careers08:06 The Mission of KICK: Transforming Lives Through Sport11:49 The Importance of Physical Activity in Education16:34 Addressing Mental Health and Wellbeing in Youth22:22 The Role of Mentoring and Coaching27:33 Breaking Down Barriers in Gender and Sport31:55 Joy in the Present36:30 Rethinking Education42:13 ConclusionsConnect with JoeFind out more about KICK
CONTENT PARTNER AD: This episode is powered by Integrated Systems Europe, the must-attend event for educators, technologists, and institutional leaders seeking to shape the future of learning. From 3–6 February 2026, ISE returns to Barcelona, uniting the brightest minds and boldest ideas in the edtech industry. Join us and Push Beyond the possibilities that are transforming the classroom of tomorrow. Don’t just keep up with the industry - get ahead of it. Check out the website to find out more and join us for ISE 2026 in Push Beyond. Use our special code 'edufuturists' for free registration hereThanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.Ben & Steve xChampioning those who are making the future of education a reality.Follow us on XFollow us on LinkedInCheck out all about EdufuturistsGet your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2026
In this episode, we are joined by Alex Zarifeh, founder of ATLP Futures Readiness, who is helping young people AND adults navigate the AI Revolution. We discuss the profound societal changes brought about by technology, emphasising the need for critical exploration of these changes.
Alex highlights the alarming statistics regarding AI usage among young adults, particularly in the context of relationships, and critiques the current safeguarding measures as insufficient. We get into the how of helping young people navigate these complexities and prepare for futures (plural!)
Chapters
00:00 Welcome and Introductions
02:42 Alex Zarifeh's Educational Journey
04:37 The Impact of AI on Education
09:12 Bridging the Gap between School and Work Experience
12:22 Navigating AI's Role in Young Lives
18:02 The Need for Educational Reform
21:18 Leadership Challenges in Education
28:45 The Challenge of Engagement in Learning
35:10 Misinformation and Disinformation
41:46 Critical Thinking with AI
53:05 Not Just Maintaining Tradition
CONTENT PARTNER AD: This episode is powered by Integrated Systems Europe, the must-attend event for educators, technologists, and institutional leaders seeking to shape the future of learning.
From 3–6 February 2026, ISE returns to Barcelona, uniting the brightest minds and boldest ideas in the edtech industry. Join us and Push Beyond the possibilities that are transforming the classroom of tomorrow.
Don’t just keep up with the industry - get ahead of it. Check out the website to find out more and join us for ISE 2026 in Push Beyond. Use our special code 'edufuturists' for free registration here
Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.
Ben & Steve x
Championing those who are making the future of education a reality.
Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?
Get your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2026
In this episode of the Edufuturists podcast, we chat with Matt Dalio, who discusses the urgent need for educational reform to prepare youth for a rapidly changing workforce. We explore the importance of teaching skills that align with modern job requirements, the role of AI in education, and the necessity of collaboration and adaptability in learning.
Matt shares insights from his work with Endless Studios, emphasising the power of game development as a learning tool and the potential of platforms like GitHub to revolutionise education. The conversation highlights the challenges of traditional education systems and the vision for a more inclusive and effective approach to learning.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
02:53 The Need for Educational Reform
05:21 Teaching Skills for the Future
09:05 Collaboration and Teamwork in Education
13:25 The Role of AI in Education
18:19 Rethinking Assessment in Education
22:18 The Future of Learning Environments
26:33 The Power of Open Source Learning
28:24 Transforming Education Through Community and Technology
32:06 Matt's Reason for Endless
41:36 The Value of Literacy
Find out more about Endless Studios
CONTENT PARTNER AD: This episode is powered by Integrated Systems Europe, the must-attend event for educators, technologists, and institutional leaders seeking to shape the future of learning.
From 3–6 February 2026, ISE returns to Barcelona, uniting the brightest minds and boldest ideas in the edtech industry. Join us and Push Beyond the possibilities that are transforming the classroom of tomorrow.
Don’t just keep up with the industry - get ahead of it. Check out the website to find out more and join us for ISE 2026 in Push Beyond. Use our special code 'edufuturists' for free registration here
Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.
Ben & Steve x
Championing those who are making the future of education a reality.
Check out all about Edufuturists
Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?
Get your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2026
In this episode of the podcast, we engage in a lively discussion with husband and wife guests Mark and Zoe Enser about their experiences in education, the challenges faced by schools, and their new book, 'How Do They Do It? What Can We Learn From Amazing Schools, Leaders and Teachers?'.
The conversation covers a range of topics including the importance of accountability, the definition of high-quality education, the impact of student attitudes, and the role of personal development in schools.
Mark & Zoe share insights from their careers and emphasise the need for schools to adapt to their unique contexts while celebrating the everyday heroes in education.
Grab a copy of their new book here
CONTENT PARTNER AD: This episode is powered by Integrated Systems Europe, the must-attend event for educators, technologists, and institutional leaders seeking to shape the future of learning.
From 3–6 February 2026, ISE returns to Barcelona, uniting the brightest minds and boldest ideas in the edtech industry. Join us and Push Beyond the possibilities that are transforming the classroom of tomorrow. Don’t just keep up with the industry - get ahead of it.
Check out the website to find out more and join us for ISE 2026 in Push Beyond. Use our special code 'edufuturists' for free registration here
Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.Ben & Steve xChampioning those who are making the future of education a reality.Follow us on X
Follow us on TikTokFollow us on LinkedInJoin the WhatsApp CommunityCheck out all about EdufuturistsWant to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?Get in touchGet your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2026
In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by the wonderful Russell Cailey to explore the challenges and opportunities within the education system. Russ shares his personal journey from a disengaged student to an educator passionate about reforming education. We discuss the importance of human connection, the impact of technology, and the need for real challenges in learning. Russ' experiences with Think Global School, a pioneering nomadic education model, highlight the potential for immersive, real-world learning. The conversation culminates in a discussion about Russ' book, The Firefly Effect, which emphasises individual growth and collaboration in education and beyond.
You can grab a copy of Russ' book hereCONTENT PARTNER AD: This episode is powered by Integrated Systems Europe, the must-attend event for educators, technologists, and institutional leaders seeking to shape the future of learning. From 3–6 February 2026, ISE returns to Barcelona, uniting the brightest minds and boldest ideas in the edtech industry. Join us and Push Beyond the possibilities that are transforming the classroom of tomorrow. Don’t just keep up with the industry - get ahead of it. Check out the video here to find out more and join us for ISE 2026 in Push Beyond, use our special code 'edufuturists' for free registration hereThanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.Ben & Steve xChampioning those who are making the future of education a reality.Follow us on XFollow us on LinkedInJoin the WhatsApp CommunityCheck out all about EdufuturistsWant to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?Get in touchGet your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2026
This episode of the podcast is a big review of some of our most recent episodes and the lessons we have learned from them. The conversation explores the readiness and agility of young people in the face of change, juxtaposed (what a great word, btw!) with scepticism about the future developments and their potential impact. We always speak with hope (just Steve Hope) while acknowledging the challenges and uncertainties ahead.
CONTENT PARTNER AD: This episode is powered by Integrated Systems Europe, the must-attend event for educators, technologists, and institutional leaders seeking to shape the future of learning.
From 3–6 February 2026, ISE returns to Barcelona, uniting the brightest minds and boldest ideas in the edtech industry. Join us and Push Beyond the possibilities that are transforming the classroom of tomorrow.
Don’t just keep up with the industry - get ahead of it. Check out the video here to find out more and join us for ISE 2026 in Push Beyond, use our special code 'edufuturists' for free registration here
Chapters
00:00 Introductions (and Waffle!)
02:32 Celebrating New Developments and Announcements
06:53 Upcoming Events and Community Engagement
12:57 Reviewing Notable Podcast Episodes
22:44 Exploring the Impact of Educators
28:56 Youth Perspectives on Education Reform
30:46 Confidence and Equity in Education
Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.
Ben & Steve x
Championing those who are making the future of education a reality.
Check out all about Edufuturists
Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?
Get your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2026
In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Hilary Leevers and Maddie Dinwoodie from Engineering UK to discuss the importance of engineering education and the upcoming Tomorrow's Engineers Week.
We explore the need for diversity in the engineering workforce, the significance of linking engineering to young people's passions, and the role of education in preparing students for future challenges, including climate change.
The conversation emphasises the importance of resilience, problem-solving skills, and the need to alleviate anxiety in students regarding their educational paths. Together, they unpack how teachers can use the free Tomorrow’s Engineers Week resources to help students see the real-world possibilities of engineering, connect their passions to meaningful careers, and celebrate the power of problem-solving.
Chapters
00:00 Introductions
01:56 Understanding Engineering UK and Its Mission
04:25 The Importance of Engineering in Society
10:02 Tomorrow's Engineers Week
11:56 Dare to Discover
15:26 Connecting Passions to Engineering Careers
17:41 Embedding Engineering in Education
22:33 Preparing for the Future of Work
23:51 Future Skills and Workforce Needs
26:15 Embracing Failure in Education
29:49 Tackling Climate Change through Engineering
33:13 Diversity and Inclusion in Engineering
37:32 Rethinking Education for the Future
TE Week 2025 offers free, ready-to-use resources for teachers including:
Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.Ben & Steve xChampioning those who are making the future of education a reality.Follow us on XFollow us on LinkedIn
Follow us on TikTokJoin the WhatsApp CommunityCheck out all about EdufuturistsWant to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?Get in touchGet your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2026
In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Sofia Fenichell, the founder of Study Hall AI. The conversation explores Sofia's journey as an entrepreneur in the education sector, her passion for improving literacy through innovative AI solutions, and the importance of fostering agency and passion in learners.
We discuss the challenges of traditional assessment methods and the need for a shift towards more engaging and effective educational practices. Sofia shares insights on the upcoming launch of College Co-Pilot, an AI-driven tool designed to assist students in the college admissions process. The episode concludes with our usual quick-fire questions too.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:23 Sofia's Journey
04:59 The Passion Behind Entrepreneurship
10:41 Introducing Study Hall AI
14:54 AI with Guardrails for Safe Learning
19:43 Fostering Passion and Agency
26:06 Rethinking Assessment
29:30 The Future of Education and AI
33:45 Navigating Assessment Grief
36:35 Innovations in College Admissions
40:22 Final Thoughts and Quickfire Questions
Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.
Ben & Steve x
Championing those who are making the future of education a reality.
Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?
In this episode of the podcast, we chat with Matt Jessop, a primary school head teacher from the North West of England who have won our Primary School of the Year TWICE!
We discuss the innovative approaches Matt is implementing in his school, particularly in integrating technology and outdoor learning. The conversation digs into the challenges facing the education system, including funding issues, accountability, and the need for systemic change.
Matt makes a big point about the importance of engaging students in their learning and the potential of hybrid education models to better serve diverse learners. The discussion also touches on the role of big tech in education and the necessity for a curriculum that meets the needs of today's students.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
02:44 Matt's Journey and School Environment
06:11 Innovative Approaches in Primary Education
10:51 Challenges in Education Technology and Funding
15:10 Accountability and the Education System
20:22 The Need for Systemic Change in Education
27:18 The Evolving Skill of Learning to Learn
28:05 Navigating AI and Misinformation
30:12 The Need for Reform
30:51 The Fractured System
32:45 Hybrid Education
36:52 Vouchers and Microschools
39:45 Creativity Over Regurgitation
42:38 The Role of Data
44:07 A Vision for Hybrid Learning
50:22 The Importance of Student Ownership in Learning
Listen to Matt's Joining the Dots podcast
Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.
Ben & Steve x
Championing those who are making the future of education a reality.
Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?
In this episode of the podcast, we have a profound conversation with Jaz Ampaw-Farr, an educator and author, about the transformative power of teachers and the importance of human connection in education. Jaz shares her personal journey, highlighting the impact of five key teachers in her life who helped shape her resilience and success. The discussion goes deep into the challenges faced by educators, the need for mental health support, and the importance of building authentic relationships with students. Jaz emphasizes that education should focus on nurturing human skills and preparing students for an uncertain future, advocating for a shift from traditional behaviour policies to relationship-focused approaches in schools.We also dive into her latest book, Because of You, This Is Me. Grab a copyChapters00:00 Introduction01:21 Jaz's Journey and the Role of Teachers04:17 The Power of Five Teachers10:13 Navigating Trauma and Education14:22 Human First, Professional Second18:29 The Challenges of the Education System20:27 Building Relationships in Education24:52 Building Trust in Education28:40 The Importance of Authentic Relationships33:05 Human Skills vs. AI36:45 The Role of Educators in Shaping Lives43:48 Transforming Education Through RelationshipsThanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.Ben & Steve xChampioning those who are making the future of education a reality.Follow us on XFollow us on LinkedInJoin the WhatsApp CommunityCheck out all about EdufuturistsWant to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?Get in touchGet your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2026
In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Tasnuva and Ben representing the Youth Shadow Panel to discuss their part in the Shadow Curriculum & Assessment Review. This is the student voice to mirror the UK government's Curriculum & Assessment Review (CAR) led by Professor Becky Francis.Ben & Tasnuva join us as two members of a wider youth panel who represent the voices of 10.5 million children and young people. The panel gathered views from thousands of children and young people through a call for evidence, a national roadshow, school assemblies, and focus groups. Over 200 young people participated in four in-person and two online roadshow workshops, and more than 550 individuals and groups responded to their call.The report sets out 14 key recommendations which reflect the shared view from young people for an education system across four themes: building skills and relevance to life; assessments, mental health and wellbeing; climate, sustainability and citizenship education; and equity and inclusion. The recommendations are published with the hope that the CAR will adopt them in full as part of its final report, due for publication in autumn 2025, and that they will be implemented by the Department for Education thereafter.Chapters00:00 Introductions00:57 Meet the Youth Shadow Panel05:02 The Role of Youth in Education Reform10:13 Key Recommendations from the Youth Shadow Panel14:47 The Importance of Life Skills and Enrichment20:00 Rethinking Assessment and Mental Health25:02 The Future of Education and AI29:47 The Role of Citizenship in Education34:11 Outdoor Learning and Its Importance37:12 Political Literacy and Youth Engagement38:19 Creating Equitable and Inclusive Education45:17 The Future of Education ReformRead the full reportShow your support by adding your endorsement for the reportThanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.Ben & Steve xChampioning those who are making the future of education a reality.Follow us on XFollow us on LinkedInJoin the WhatsApp CommunityCheck out all about EdufuturistsWant to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?Get in touchGet your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2026
In this episode of the podcast, we chat with the wonderful Gwyn ap Harri, the CEO of XP Trust, to explore innovative educational practices and the importance of character building in schools. One of Gwyn's schools, XP Gateshead won Edufuturists Secondary School of the Year 2025.
Gwyn discusses the concept of 'crew' as a foundational element of XP Trust's approach, emphasising the need for a shared language and community engagement. The conversation goes down lots of rabbit holes into the significance of curriculum design that connects students to their local history and culture, fostering civic pride and a sense of belonging.
He also shares insights on the future of education, advocating for a shift towards valuing character alongside academic achievements, drawing lots of inspiration from schools like High Tech High and Expeditionary Learning.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:06 Journey to XP Trust
02:07 Inspiration from High Tech High
07:00 The Concept of Crew in Education
12:21 Building Relationships Through Crew
17:15 Curriculum Integration and Expeditions
22:17 Community Engagement and Education
23:13 The Importance of Local Context in Education
24:34 Empowering Working-Class Voices
26:14 Dignity and Identity in Education
28:51 Inspiring Change Makers
30:57 Navigating Compliance and Creativity in Education
34:36 Inevitability of Change in Education
38:02 Humility and Impact in Educational Leadership
40:23 Quickfire Questions and Reflections
Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.
Ben & Steve x
Championing those who are making the future of education a reality.
Check out all about Edufuturists
Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?
Get your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2026
In this episode of the Edufuturists podcast, we talk to Kathryn McColl and Brogan Pierce from Hark about their Listen Up Report, which uncovers why confidence drops during key school transitions, who’s most affected, and what educators and employers can do to close the gap. Nearly 1 in 3 young people in the UK lack confidence - a hidden barrier to learning, career opportunities, and life chances. This isn’t just about shyness. It’s about a systemic issue that shapes learning, limits life chances, and affects the future workforce. Together, we explore The “Unheard Third” - who they are, and why they’re being overlooked, as well as why confidence often plummets during school transitions. We dive into how low confidence keeps young people from speaking up, joining in, or taking opportunities and what schools, employers, and communities can do to create emotionally safe, empowering spaces. Kathryn and Brogan share stories from the report, unpack the role of gender, background, and region in shaping confidence, and show how practical interventions, from classroom culture to early employer engagement, can change the game. This is a values-driven, action-focused conversation for educators, school leaders, businesses, and anyone committed to building a more inclusive future for young people. Chapters00:00 Introduction01:41 Understanding Hark and the Listen Up Report02:47 The Importance of Confidence in Young People10:15 The Impact of Lack of Confidence on Behaviour19:44 Disparities in Confidence Among Different Groups25:58 Exploring the Causes of the Confidence Crisis44:09 Practical Solutions for Building Confidence50:55 Quickfire Questions and Closing ThoughtsYou can download the Listen Up report hereAbout Hark Hark works with schools, businesses, and brands to build the confidence, skills, and inclusion young people need to thrive - through research, national programmes, and real-world experiences. Find out moreThanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.Ben & Steve xChampioning those who are making the future of education a reality.Follow us on X
Follow us on LinkedInCheck out all about EdufuturistsWant to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?Get in touch
In this episode, hosts Steve Hope and Ben Whitaker look into the evolving landscape of education. We discuss the challenges and opportunities in creating inclusive and diverse learning environments, the role of AI in education, and the importance of community engagement. The conversation also touches on the need for a curriculum that adapts to the needs of all students and the significance of teacher and tutor roles in the age of technology.
Chapters
00:00 Celebrating Community and Events
04:06 Reflecting on Past Guests and Themes
05:21 Rethinking Education and Curriculum
09:27 The Role of AI in Tutoring
12:07 Equity and Inclusion in Education
15:16 Making Learning Real and Engaging
19:44 Presence Over Attendance in Education
20:08 Rethinking Attendance in Education
23:31 Engagement vs. Attendance: A Deeper Look
26:24 Social Class and Educational Equity
28:11 Community and Its Role in Education
32:54 AI Literacy: Bridging the Gap
35:34 Looking Ahead: Future Trends in Education
Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.Ben & Steve xChampioning those who are making the future of education a reality.Follow us on XFollow us on LinkedInJoin the WhatsApp CommunityCheck out all about EdufuturistsWant to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?Get in touchGet your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2026
In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Jeremy Samways, who discusses his journey from marketing to education, focusing on the importance of AI literacy for students. Jeremy is the founder and a trustee of Your Tomorrow, an innovative charity dedicated to bridging the gap between education and the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence.
With a strong communications and consultancy background and over a decade of experience working closely with the FE sector, Jeremy offers unique insights into AI’s transformative potential for students and educators.
Jeremy leads Your Tomorrow in delivering impactful and innovative workshops and training programmes designed to demystify AI, equipping young people and educators with the critical skills for a future profoundly shaped by AI.
Jeremy shares insights on the workshops he conducts, the development of the AI Literacy Launchpad, and the need for students to be prepared for a rapidly changing job market influenced by AI. The conversation emphasises the significance of student engagement, the ethical implications of AI, and the necessity for educators to adapt to new technologies while fostering critical human skills.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
03:22 The Influence of AI on Education
06:11 Workshops and AI Literacy for Students
09:10 The Role of Educators in AI Literacy
12:22 The Need for AI Literacy Frameworks
15:11 The Future of Work and AI's Impact
18:26 AI Literacy as a Long-Term Strategy
27:10 The Future of AI and Youth Engagement
36:41 AI Literacy Launchpad: A New Educational Framework
50:22 Quickfire Questions
Find out more about Your Tomorrow
Get in touch with Jeremy and the team
And for a quick LaunchPad video intro
Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.Ben & Steve xChampioning those who are making the future of education a reality.Follow us on XFollow us on LinkedInCheck out all about EdufuturistsWant to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?Get in touch
In this episode of the podcast, we are delighted to welcome back Matt Bromley, an educational author and advisor, to discuss his latest book, 'Why School Doesn't Work for Every Child.' Matt first joined us in February 2024 with Andy Griffith, the co-author of another, similar book, The Working Classroom, and a friend of Ben's from his formative teaching years.
This conversation explores themes of inclusion, belonging, and equity in education, emphasising the importance of tailored approaches to meet diverse student needs. Matt shares insights from his experiences and the stories of characters Thomas and Tommy to illustrate the impact of privilege on educational outcomes.
The discussion also introduces the ABC model for fostering a culture of inclusion and the significance of community engagement in education.
Chapters
00:00 Introductions
01:31 Revisiting Matt Bromley: Author and Educator
03:27 The Journey of Writing and Education
05:09 Exploring Inclusion and Belonging in Education
07:08 Defining Inclusion and Belonging
11:06 The Importance of Tailored Education
13:25 Understanding Belonging in Schools
17:20 The EDI Framework: Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
22:51 The Stories of Thomas and Tommy
30:21 The ABC Model for Inclusion
36:24 Attendance: The Foundation of Engagement
39:15 Behaviours for Learning: Beyond Compliance
42:19 Building Community in Education
45:59 Preview of Upcoming Book: Making the Classroom Work for Every Child
Get 20% off your copy of Matt's new book using code 25ESE1 at Routledge Education
Matt mentioned a self-evaluation tool which you can access, alongside much of his work around equity here
Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.Ben & Steve xChampioning those who are making the future of education a reality.Follow us on XFollow us on LinkedInCheck out all about EdufuturistsWant to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?Get in touch
In this episode of the podcast, we are super pleased to be able have another thought-provoking conversation, this time with Ian Timbrell, another Crown House Publishing author. Ian has written a brilliant book, More Than Flags and Rainbows, so we sit down to chat about the future of education, focusing on the importance of true inclusion, cultural change, and creating safe spaces for all students. Ian shares his journey from teaching to founding a not-for-profit organisation aimed at training schools to foster an inclusive environment. The discussion highlights the need for long-term strategies over quick fixes, the role of language in promoting understanding, and the challenges educators face in navigating fears and misconceptions surrounding LGBTQ+ issues. Ian emphasises the importance of acknowledging mistakes and being open to learning as essential components of fostering a supportive educational community.Chapters00:00 Introduction02:50 Ian Timbrell's Journey in Education05:40 The Importance of True Inclusion08:11 Cultural Change Over Tick-Box Solutions10:53 Creating Safe Spaces in Schools14:04 Navigating Fear and Misunderstanding16:34 The Role of Language in Inclusion19:14 Long-Term Change vs. Quick Fixes22:19 Authenticity and Self-Expression24:51 The Evolution of Language and Understanding27:36 Final Thoughts and Quickfire QuestionsThanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.Ben & Steve xGrab a copy of Ian's new book hereWe mentioned the new RSE changes in the UK curriculum. More information can be found hereChampioning those who are making the future of education a reality.Follow us on XFollow us on LinkedInCheck out all about EdufuturistsWant to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?Get in touch
In this episode of the Edufuturists podcast, we are joined by Ben's fellow Accringtonian, Professor Andy Hargreaves to discuss the complexities of education, focusing on student engagement, the impact of teachers, and the importance of identity and belonging in the learning process. Andy shares his personal journey from Accrington to Canada, highlighting the role of influential teachers in shaping his career. The conversation delves into the challenges of absenteeism, the dimensions of student engagement, and the five enemies that hinder it. We explore the need for choice in education and the importance of making learning relevant and engaging for all students. Although, we don't get chance to talk much about Andy's most recent book, we do delve into lots of his other works, especially around culture and identity. It also means we need to get Andy back very soon for a follow up!Chapters00:00 Introduction 01:09 Andy's Journey Through Education 02:32 The Impact of Social Mobility on Education 08:23 Understanding Absenteeism in Education 12:37 The Importance of Student Engagement 17:49 The Five Enemies of Student Engagement 20:55 Transforming Education: From Compliance to Engagement 21:48 The Importance of Identity and Belonging 27:57 Complexities of Identity in Education 30:46 Creating Inclusive Educational Environments 36:10 Innovative Approaches to Learning 40:36 The Role of Schools in Student Experience 48:30 Quick Fire Reflections on EducationPre-order a copy of Andy's latest book from Crown House Publishing hereCheck out Andy's website hereThanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.Ben & Steve xChampioning those who are making the future of education a reality.Follow us on XFollow us on LinkedInCheck out all about EdufuturistsWant to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?Get in touch
In this episode of the podcast, we welcome another Crown House Publishing author, Leonie Briggs, the director of Amaze Lab, to discuss the future of education, particularly in the realms of STEM and STEAM. Leonie shares her journey from veterinary practice to education, her passion for creating engaging learning experiences, and her new book, 'Make Your Own Rainbow.'
The conversation explores the importance of creativity, play, and real-world applications in learning, as well as the community engagement efforts of Amaze Lab.
Chapters
00:00 Introductions
01:36 Meet Leonie Briggs and Amaze Lab
04:24 The Journey to Amaze Lab
09:49 Exploring the Book: Make Your Own Rainbow
11:58 Real-Life Applications of STEM and STEAM
17:05 The Importance of Play in Learning
20:32 Linking Subjects: The Case for STEAM
27:05 Community Engagement and Workshops
28:41 Quickfire Questions Ben & Steve x
Grab a copy of Leonie's book, Make Your Own Rainbow
Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.Ben & Steve x
Championing those who are making the future of education a reality.
We are pleased to be joining the team at Cottesmore School for their FREE AI& Conference on 2nd September 2025. We would love you to join us and the stellar lineup of speakers, including Sir Anthony Seldon, Paddy McGrath, Chris Goodall and Dan Fitzpatrick. Contact office@cottesmoreschool.com or 01293520648 to book your tickets
Check out all about Edufuturists
Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?Get in touch
In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Tom Hooper, founder of Third Space Learning, to discuss the evolution of tutoring from human-led to AI-driven models. Tom shares insights on the effectiveness of one-to-one tutoring, the importance of equitable access to education, and the role of teachers in integrating AI into learning environments. The conversation highlights the potential of AI to transform educational outcomes, particularly for at-risk learners, while emphasising the need for enjoyment and engagement in the learning process. We also dig into whether tutoring in any form perpetuates an exam-focused system.
Chapters
00:00 Introductions00:59 Tom Hooper's Journey in Education Technology02:14 The Shift from Human to AI Tutoring04:25 The Importance of Evidence in Tutoring08:53 Equity in Access to Tutoring13:28 AI Tutoring's Role in Addressing Learning Gaps17:45 The Future of AI in Education25:34 The Evolution of AI Tutoring30:31 AI vs Human Interaction in Education33:27 Transforming Tutoring Dynamics36:17 Balancing Engagement and Learning40:06 Quickfire Questions
Find out more about Third Space
Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.
Ben & Steve x
Championing those who are making the future of education a reality.
We are pleased to be joining the team at Cottesmore School for their FREE AI& Conference on 2nd September 2025. We would love you to join us and the stellar lineup of speakers, including Sir Anthony Seldon, Paddy McGrath, Chris Goodall and Dan Fitzpatrick. Contact office@cottesmoreschool.com or 01293520648 to book your tickets
Check out all about Edufuturists
Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?Get in touch