A year of conversations, insights, and progress: Celebrating the Schools North East Podcast’s first anniversary
It’s hard to believe that a year has passed since we launched The Schools North East Podcast. What started as a simple idea has flourished into a vibrant platform for discussion, reflection, and advocacy for the education sector in our region.
The North East LEADS NOT PLEADS. And Schools North East leads the campaign to improve conditions for North East schools, engaging with politicians, policymakers, and partners across the whole political spectrum. Our podcast is a vital extension of this proactive leadership.
As we celebrate this incredible milestone this week, we take a moment to reflect on the impact of the podcast and the incredible voices that have shaped it over the past twelve months.
Our mission: Giving a voice to North East schools
From the very beginning, our podcast’s mission has been clear: to provide a space where the challenges and triumphs of North East schools can be explored with depth, expertise, and authenticity. Over the past year, we have tackled a range of topics that sit at the heart of education in our region.
From the importance of curriculum design and school accountability to mental health, inclusion, and the unique pressures faced by rural schools, each episode has sought to shine a light on the issues that truly matter.
Thought-provoking guests and meaningful conversations
A key highlight of the podcast has been the opportunity to welcome an array of thought-provoking guests.
We have been fortunate to sit down with figures such as Mary Myatt, who brought invaluable insights into curriculum development, and Frank Norris, who shared his bold perspectives on Ofsted and the future of school accountability through The Alternative Big Listen.
These conversations have challenged the status quo and encouraged vital discussions on policy and practice in education.
Championing school leaders and educators
Equally inspiring have been our episodes featuring school leaders and educators from across the region. Figures such as Colin Lofthouse and Zoe Carr have shared their perspectives on leading Trusts in the North East, while Alex Fairlamb has offered thoughtful reflections from the chalkface on curriculum implementation.
Through these discussions, we have uncovered the resilience, innovation, and deep commitment that define everyone who works in North East schools.
Exploring the power of education and community
Beyond policy and leadership, our podcast has also delved into the human stories that make education so powerful.
The episode featuring Ziauddin Yousafzai and Dr. Dan Jackson was a standout moment, as they explored the transformative power of education and the importance of preserving regional history.
Likewise, our discussion with Paul Rickard on the realities of leading rural schools brought into sharp focus the financial struggles and staffing challenges that so many institutions are grappling with today.
Bringing key events to life
We have also taken our audience behind the scenes of some of the most important events on the Schools North East calendar. From our National Network of Special Schools for School Business Professionals Conferences to Healthy MindED 24 (now known as The Inclusion Conference), we have provided listeners with exclusive insights into key debates, research findings, and the latest thinking from across the sector.
Whether it was examining how special schools are shaping success or recapping the priorities for the year ahead, these episodes have reinforced the strength and unity of the North East education community, reminding the world that our region LEADS, NOT PLEADS.
Looking ahead: Another year of impact
None of this would have been possible without our dedicated listeners. Your engagement, feedback, and support have made this journey even more meaningful. As we look ahead, we are excited to continue bringing you thought-provoking conversations, expert perspectives, and the voices that matter most in education.
Here’s to another year of amplifying the voices of North East schools. Thank you for being part of our story. Listen to all episodes here.
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Ready to share your own insights around education in the North East? We’re seeking guest speakers from North East schools to participate in our podcast. If you’re interested, we’d love for you to get in touch.
Our community needs people just like you to step forward and share your expertise, opinions, experiences, and strategies to help improve learning in our region.
Whether you are a supporting member of school staff, or a leader of a trust, embrace this unique opportunity by applying to speak on The Schools North East Podcast today.