Ross McGill on Teacher Workload, Leadership & What Schools Still Get Wrong

In this episode of Headship After Hours, Paul speaks with Ross McGill — teacher, former deputy headteacher, founder of Teacher Toolkit and one of the most influential voices in education.I am currently offering a funded £1,000 Senior Attendance & Leadership Review for headteachers navigating attendance pressure.It begins with a short strategic assessment.If eligible, this leads to a full review process including:• On-site school visit• Detailed, school-specific report• Follow-up strategy session• Practical leadership toolsApply now – https://atrejwhi.formester.com/f/hwL9GCyin/Together, they explore:• teacher workload and why schools still struggle to reduce it• leadership, relationships and school culture• feedback, marking and professional trust• AI in education and the future of schools• SEND pressures, wellbeing and teacher retentionRoss reflects on his journey through leadership, social media, CPD and educational research — and why relationships remain at the centre of effective school leadership.This is a thoughtful and practical conversation for headteachers, senior leaders and educators navigating the realities of modern education.🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on school leadership, culture and sustainable headship.Timestamps00:00 – Leadership, Relationships & School Culture01:05 – Ross McGill’s Journey Into Teaching02:24 – Teacher Toolkit & Early Education Influencing05:22 – Why SLT Chat Went Viral06:13 – Why Ross McGill Connected With Teachers08:55 – The Biggest Lesson in Education10:26 – Difficult Conversations in Leadership11:17 – Learning From Leadership Mistakes14:02 – Teacher Workload & The Five Minute Lesson Plan15:57 – Why Teacher Workload Is Still Rising16:55 – Marking Policies That Damage Teachers17:43 – What Makes Feedback Actually Work19:14 – Metacognition & Learning How to Learn21:46 – Ross McGill’s Proudest Work23:54 – MRI Research, Learning & Cognition25:58 – AI, Literacy & The Future of Schools28:04 – SEND Crisis & School Pressure29:52 – Leadership Advice for Headteachers