The Power of Collaboration: Les Walton CBE on Strengthening the Voice of Education

In this special episode of the Schools North East Podcast, we take a step away from our usual conversations to bring you an inspiring keynote from one of the most influential figures in education – Les Walton CBE. Access the slides he's referring to throughout the podcast, here. As the founder of Schools North East, Les’s vision and determination helped create the UK’s first regional schools network. Over his remarkable career, he’s also shaped national education through his work with the Northern Education Trust, Northern Education Associates, and the Association of Education Advisers. In his keynote, “The Power of Collaboration: Strengthening the Voice of Education in Challenging Times,” Les explores why the future of education lies not in top-down reform, but in schools themselves – rooted in their communities, working collectively, and leading with confidence on the national stage. It’s a powerful message for a moment of immense challenge – and opportunity – for schools across the North East and beyond. Listen now.