Leadership beyond the school gates: A conversation with Nick Blacburn MBE
In the latest episode of the Schools North East Podcast, Director Chris Zarraga sits down with Nick Blackburn MBE, Chief Executive of Lingfield Education Trust, Chair of North East Wellbeing, and a DfE RISE Advisor, to discuss what it really means to lead with compassion…
And why addressing children’s wellbeing must sit at the centre of school improvement.
Nick’s story is one of deep commitment to children, schools, and communities. Having started his teaching career in London before moving north to Darlington, Nick reflects on how his journey has shaped a philosophy of leadership that sees education and wellbeing as inseparable.
“As a teacher, you see the child in front of you. As a leader, your role is to make sure every system in the school helps that child to thrive.”
Key themes from the conversation
1. Co-locating services and the power of partnership
Nick recalls early work on the government’s co-location of services initiative, which brought schools and local agencies together to break down barriers between professionals. He argues that had this approach been sustained, it could have prevented some of the challenges schools face today around vulnerability, attendance, and mental health.
2. Filling the gaps where services have disappeared
As local provision has diminished, schools have increasingly stepped into the breach. Nick discusses how North East Wellbeing emerged from this gap — a charity providing therapeutic and early intervention support to children and families across the region.
3. Leading with empathy and lived experience
Nick speaks openly about his own experiences with mental health, explaining how this perspective informs his leadership and advocacy for staff and pupils alike. He reminds listeners that environment and relationships are powerful levers for wellbeing — and that happiness and academic success are not competing goals.
Listen now
This episode is a must-listen for school leaders, teachers, and policymakers who care about building schools where every child feels safe, valued, and ready to learn.
Listen to the full conversation with Nick Blackburn on the Schools North East Podcast.
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