In this episode, Peter Hyman shares his unique journey from political strategist to educator, discussing the evolution of education in the UK, the importance of oracy and the challenges faced by teachers and politicians alike. He reflects on his experiences in the classroom, the significance of mentorship, and his vision for the future of education, emphasising the need for authenticity in political communication and the importance of listening to young people.

Our next guest on Heads & Tales needs little introduction. As Head Master of Eton College for the last decade, Simon Henderson is at the helm of one of the world's most recognisable, and scrutinised, schools. In a Heads & Tales first, Simon joined us in person in the studio, speaking to Walter Kerr about the reality of running a near 600-year-old institution whilst preparing teenage boys for a world changing faster than any generation before them.

In this episode of Heads & Tales, Walter Kerr speaks with Jade Bowler, creator of the Unjaded Jade platform and author of The Only Study Guide You’ll Ever Need. Jade traces her journey from high-achieving student to global educator, reflecting on Minerva University, active learning and the emotional realities of modern adolescence. She also makes the case for why authenticity, wellbeing and real-world skills should sit at the heart of any meaningful education reform.

In this episode of Heads & Tales, Henry Faber speaks with Robert Tomalin, Principal of Oeiras International School in Lisbon. From his own journey through the UWC movement to leading a truly international IB school, Robert reflects on diversity, service learning, leadership and why community remains the defining strength of any school. He also makes a compelling case for why publishing exam results may do more harm than good.

In this episode of Heads & Tales, Henry Faber is joined by Matt Horvat, Head of the American School in London. Matt reflects on leading one of the capital’s most distinctive international schools, the difference between American and British approaches to education and what schools can do to balance academic rigour with human connection in an AI-obsessed world.

Up next on Heads & Tales is journalist and author Jenny Anderson, whose book The Disengaged Teen has reshaped how educators and parents understand adolescent learning. Tapping into the minds of 68,000 students, Jenny explains why so many teens switch off from school, the four modes they cycle through and what parents and teachers can do to help them rediscover their drive and purpose.

Sir Anthony Seldon is a man of many guises – historian, author and without doubt one of the most influential educators in the UK. From the impact of AI to a crisis of unhappiness in schools, Seldon argues that the future of education hinges on rediscovering what makes us truly human. His episode is one of meaning, humility and hope, told with the unquestionable authority of a man who has dedicated his life to both politics and the classroom.

In this episode of Heads & Tales, Henry Faber hosts Jane Lunnon, Head of Alleyn’s School. From expanding Alleyn’s network of schools to launching pioneering AI and wellbeing programmes, Jane shares her philosophy on leadership, creativity and courage, and why she believes schools should be places of joy, curiosity and connection.

In this episode of Heads & Tales, Henry Faber is joined by Steve Marshall-Taylor, Headmaster of Brighton College. Steve reflects on what it means to lead a community built on both tradition and innovation, from the unifying power of whole-school moments to the quiet resilience that defines great teaching and leadership. He talks about Brighton’s growing boarding culture, the global reach of its partner schools and how international expansion funds life-changing bursaries at home. Above all, he makes the case for celebrating quiet confidence: the kind of self-assurance that doesn’t need to shout to make an impact.

In this episode of Heads & Tales, Henry Faber speaks with Naheed Bardai, Principle of UWC Atlantic College. From rescuing an Afghan student during the Taliban takeover to launching an innovative new curriculum, Naheed shares how this radical Welsh boarding school is preparing teenagers for the complex, interconnected world of 2060.

In this episode of Heads & Tales, Walter hosts BJ Fogg, Stanford researcher, founder of the Behaviour Design Lab and author of the bestseller Tiny Habits. From mentoring the co-founder of Instagram to disrupting traditional schools of thought, BJ shares stories and practical tips for anyone trying to change behaviour – at home, at school or at work.

Walter Kerr is joined by Brett Wigdortz OBE, visionary founder of Teach First and co-founder of Tiney. From the early battles to prove Teach First could work to his new mission tackling childcare, Brett reflects on two decades of reform, the future of teacher recruitment and why early years deserve far more attention.

In this episode of Heads & Tales, Walter Kerr speaks to Alison Derbyshire, the first female Head of Dulwich College Seoul. From topping the IB rankings in Korea to tackling the hagwon culture, Alison reflects on balancing rigour with wellbeing, leading an all-female team and rethinking what success should mean for students in Korea today.

In this episode, Walter Kerr speaks to Dr Neil Hampton, CEO of Rugby Schools Group. From opening a new campus in Lagos to growing the UK education brand abroad, Neil reflects on global expansion, cultural reciprocity and the lessons of a long career in the education sector.

In this episode of Heads & Tales, Henry Faber speaks with Rachel Bailey, Headmistress of Benenden School in Kent. From leading a thriving community of over 550 girls to championing individual passions and personal growth, Rachel shares thoughtful perspectives on empowering young women.

In this episode of Heads & Tales, Henry Faber speaks with Grant Ferguson, Director of Verbier International School in Switzerland. From merging two schools in a world-famous ski resort to balancing academic rigour with mountain exploration, Grant shares candid insights on leadership, holistic education and why small schools can deliver on a big scale.

Henry Faber is joined by Will Campbell, founding Head of Franklin School in New Jersey. From building a high-performing school at half the typical cost to rethinking college prep and teacher development, Will shares what it takes to lead with clarity, culture and trust. A sharp, honest look at school leadership in one of the world’s most competitive education markets.

In this episode of Heads & Tales, Henry Faber speaks with Simon Lockyer, Principal of the British School of Milan. Reflecting on his first year in international education after a long UK-based career, Simon discusses leadership, school culture, the IB curriculum and the importance of naughty students. From campus moves to post-COVID parenting dynamics, he brings thoughtful insight to the challenges of running a truly global school.

On this week's episode of Heads & Tales, we're joined by a bona fide big fish of the education world. Michael Lambert is the Global Education Director of Inspired Education Group, an ever-expanding network of 120 schools across six continents that oversees the education of over 90,000 students. He shares his insights on curriculum innovation, AI's role in education and what the future holds of independent education.

This week on Heads & Tales, we're joined by Mike Pettifer, CEO of the Woodard Academies Trust and a former senior civil servant at the Department for Education. With over a decade at the Education and Skills Funding Agency – formerly responsible for deploying £40 billion each year – Mike brings a dual perspective on both policy and practice of education in the UK.