Educationally Outraged

Send us Fan MailIf you enjoy this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe. Disclaimer: As a serving Headteacher in London, UK, it’s important to please note that the views shared on this podcast- whether from me, my guests, or any associated with Educationally Outraged- are independent and do not reflect the official stance of my school, my Local Authority or the Department for Education. This independence underscores our unwavering commitment to valuing diverse opinions, including those of all staff within these institutions, and by extension, our listeners.

Send us Fan MailIf you enjoy this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe. Disclaimer: As a serving Headteacher in London, UK, it’s important to please note that the views shared on this podcast- whether from me, my guests, or any associated with Educationally Outraged- are independent and do not reflect the official stance of my school, my Local Authority or the Department for Education. This independence underscores our unwavering commitment to valuing diverse opinions, including those of all staff within these institutions, and by extension, our listeners.

This episode examines how the BBC—an institution repeatedly scarred by scandals involving figures like Jimmy Savile—continues to protect a prominent sculpture by Eric Gill, an artist who confessed in his own diaries to sexually abusing children. It asks why, after decades of institutional failures around abuse, the BBC still chooses to publicly honour the work of a known child abuser—and what that says about those whose voices and suffering truly matter.Send us Fan MailIf you enjoy this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe. Disclaimer: As a serving Headteacher in London, UK, it’s important to please note that the views shared on this podcast- whether from me, my guests, or any associated with Educationally Outraged- are independent and do not reflect the official stance of my school, my Local Authority or the Department for Education. This independence underscores our unwavering commitment to valuing diverse opinions, including those of all staff within these institutions, and by extension, our listeners.

I once wrote a message in the aftermath of an election, convinced I was being overly dramatic. Years later, I found those words again — and realised they weren’t exaggeration, but anticipation. This episode is a reflection on what happens when warnings are dismissed, and power is handed to those least fit to hold it. Send us Fan MailIf you enjoy this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe. Disclaimer: As a serving Headteacher in London, UK, it’s important to please note that the views shared on this podcast- whether from me, my guests, or any associated with Educationally Outraged- are independent and do not reflect the official stance of my school, my Local Authority or the Department for Education. This independence underscores our unwavering commitment to valuing diverse opinions, including those of all staff within these institutions, and by extension, our listeners.

A routine, postponed school visit becomes a national scandal — and a lesson in how safeguarding gets twisted into antisemitism for political gain. This podcast unpacks how a calm decision to protect children exposed the dangerous way that power, misinformation, and Westminster politics disguise the truth.Send us Fan MailIf you enjoy this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe. Disclaimer: As a serving Headteacher in London, UK, it’s important to please note that the views shared on this podcast- whether from me, my guests, or any associated with Educationally Outraged- are independent and do not reflect the official stance of my school, my Local Authority or the Department for Education. This independence underscores our unwavering commitment to valuing diverse opinions, including those of all staff within these institutions, and by extension, our listeners.

In this episode, I take a close look at St George and the Flag of Irony, and how it exposes a big contradiction at the heart of flag-waving nationalism. I challenge the idea of who gets to call themselves a patriot, and I remind us that England’s culture, language, and even its flag are the result of centuries of migration. I attempt to make the case that, far from being a threat to national identity, diversity has always been one of its greatest strengths.Send us Fan MailIf you enjoy this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe. Disclaimer: As a serving Headteacher in London, UK, it’s important to please note that the views shared on this podcast- whether from me, my guests, or any associated with Educationally Outraged- are independent and do not reflect the official stance of my school, my Local Authority or the Department for Education. This independence underscores our unwavering commitment to valuing diverse opinions, including those of all staff within these institutions, and by extension, our listeners.

In this episode I try to explain why it’s not ignorance but stupidity — ignorance wrapped in confidence — that does the real damage in politics and public life. From World War I generals to modern British ministers, I explore how half-knowledge and power produce leaders who bluster rather than lead. It’s a call to ‘value learning’ over loudness, because ignorance can be fixed, but stupidity too often runs for officeSend us Fan MailIf you enjoy this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe. Disclaimer: As a serving Headteacher in London, UK, it’s important to please note that the views shared on this podcast- whether from me, my guests, or any associated with Educationally Outraged- are independent and do not reflect the official stance of my school, my Local Authority or the Department for Education. This independence underscores our unwavering commitment to valuing diverse opinions, including those of all staff within these institutions, and by extension, our listeners.

In this episode, we are joined by colleagues Chertarnia and Callum, where we discuss conspiracy theories. It's funny, it's mind blowing, it's a little bit weird... but is any of it true?Send us Fan MailIf you enjoy this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe. Disclaimer: As a serving Headteacher in London, UK, it’s important to please note that the views shared on this podcast- whether from me, my guests, or any associated with Educationally Outraged- are independent and do not reflect the official stance of my school, my Local Authority or the Department for Education. This independence underscores our unwavering commitment to valuing diverse opinions, including those of all staff within these institutions, and by extension, our listeners.

In this episode I delve into the dark history of the Royal Family; from the First World War through the twentieth century, bringing us right up to the present-day disgrace of Andrew. Send us Fan MailIf you enjoy this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe. Disclaimer: As a serving Headteacher in London, UK, it’s important to please note that the views shared on this podcast- whether from me, my guests, or any associated with Educationally Outraged- are independent and do not reflect the official stance of my school, my Local Authority or the Department for Education. This independence underscores our unwavering commitment to valuing diverse opinions, including those of all staff within these institutions, and by extension, our listeners.

In this week's episode we talk with Peter and Jayne Walsh, Green Party members and activists. Amongst many subjects we discuss, Zach Polanski (newly elected Green Party Leader), the state of the nation, Climate matters, Boris Johnson, the media and what the future holds for the world at large. Send us Fan MailIf you enjoy this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe. Disclaimer: As a serving Headteacher in London, UK, it’s important to please note that the views shared on this podcast- whether from me, my guests, or any associated with Educationally Outraged- are independent and do not reflect the official stance of my school, my Local Authority or the Department for Education. This independence underscores our unwavering commitment to valuing diverse opinions, including those of all staff within these institutions, and by extension, our listeners.

In today's episode I discuss how obsession with conformity from the plains of North Korea to some Secondary School classrooms in Hackney (and one in particular) shapes a culture built on fear, not creativity.Send us Fan MailIf you enjoy this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe. Disclaimer: As a serving Headteacher in London, UK, it’s important to please note that the views shared on this podcast- whether from me, my guests, or any associated with Educationally Outraged- are independent and do not reflect the official stance of my school, my Local Authority or the Department for Education. This independence underscores our unwavering commitment to valuing diverse opinions, including those of all staff within these institutions, and by extension, our listeners.

In this episode, we sit down with professional footballer Sam Lavelle to explore the journey behind the jersey. From his early beginnings and youth football dreams to his current role as central defender for Grimsby Town, Sam opens up about life on and off the pitch.We dive into his experiences with managers and teammates, the responsibilities of wearing the captain’s armband, and the realities of training at the highest level. But beyond the game itself, Sam shares what truly matters most to him — his family.It’s an honest and insightful conversation about the highs and lows of a footballer’s life — moments that go far beyond the ninety minutes on match day.Send us Fan MailIf you enjoy this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe. Disclaimer: As a serving Headteacher in London, UK, it’s important to please note that the views shared on this podcast- whether from me, my guests, or any associated with Educationally Outraged- are independent and do not reflect the official stance of my school, my Local Authority or the Department for Education. This independence underscores our unwavering commitment to valuing diverse opinions, including those of all staff within these institutions, and by extension, our listeners.

In this episode, I take Farage's latest culture war crusade - this time aimed at teachers. From 'Marxist classrooms' to 'moral panics'; I unpack how populism thrives on fear, not facts, and discuss how undermining teachers and truth, erodes the very foundation of democracy.Send us Fan MailIf you enjoy this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe. Disclaimer: As a serving Headteacher in London, UK, it’s important to please note that the views shared on this podcast- whether from me, my guests, or any associated with Educationally Outraged- are independent and do not reflect the official stance of my school, my Local Authority or the Department for Education. This independence underscores our unwavering commitment to valuing diverse opinions, including those of all staff within these institutions, and by extension, our listeners.

In the first episode of my new monologue series “Here’s what I think”...  I talk about the ongoing atrocities in Gaza (despite the so-called ceasefire) and the global silence that has enabled those atrocities to continue. I argue that the true horror is not only the devastation itself, but the world’s complicity in watching a genocide unfold while doing nothing to stop it.Send us Fan MailIf you enjoy this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe. Disclaimer: As a serving Headteacher in London, UK, it’s important to please note that the views shared on this podcast- whether from me, my guests, or any associated with Educationally Outraged- are independent and do not reflect the official stance of my school, my Local Authority or the Department for Education. This independence underscores our unwavering commitment to valuing diverse opinions, including those of all staff within these institutions, and by extension, our listeners.

Welcome back to the long-awaited, brand new episode of Educationally Outraged!On today’s episode Steve and I are joined by Assistant Headteacher Amina Ben-Idtnaine. Together we discuss Ofsted; its roots, purpose, and its seemingly negative impact on the people it scrutinises. We also talk about the events leading up to the tragic suicide of Headteacher Ruth Perry, and the proposed changes to the inspection framework in the aftermath of her death. Send us Fan MailIf you enjoy this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe. Disclaimer: As a serving Headteacher in London, UK, it’s important to please note that the views shared on this podcast- whether from me, my guests, or any associated with Educationally Outraged- are independent and do not reflect the official stance of my school, my Local Authority or the Department for Education. This independence underscores our unwavering commitment to valuing diverse opinions, including those of all staff within these institutions, and by extension, our listeners.

For over a century, unions have been at the heart of worker power in Britain, but is that power now in its final days? From the brutal battles of the 1984-85 miners’ strike—when Margaret Thatcher took on the National Union of Mineworkers—to the growing pressures in today’s classrooms, the fight for fair wages, better conditions, and respect has never been easy.As teachers face relentless workloads, dwindling resources, and governments reluctance to negotiate, we ask: is unionism dying, and what can we learn from the clashes of the past—especially Thatcher’s war on the unions—to understand the challenges of the present?Join myself, Steve H and special guest, teacher, Alice Foreman as we unravel these threads, hear from those on the front lines, and explore what the future holds for collective action in the UK.Send us Fan MailIf you enjoy this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe. Disclaimer: As a serving Headteacher in London, UK, it’s important to please note that the views shared on this podcast- whether from me, my guests, or any associated with Educationally Outraged- are independent and do not reflect the official stance of my school, my Local Authority or the Department for Education. This independence underscores our unwavering commitment to valuing diverse opinions, including those of all staff within these institutions, and by extension, our listeners.

Sometimes, a story comes along that makes us pause and reflect - one that shifts our perspective and inspires us in unexpected ways. Today is one of those moments. Our guest, Tania Pope, is living with terminal cancer, yet she embodies an incredible love for life. In this episode, we'll explore her journey, her passions, and the wisdom she's gained along the way.Send us Fan MailIf you enjoy this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe. Disclaimer: As a serving Headteacher in London, UK, it’s important to please note that the views shared on this podcast- whether from me, my guests, or any associated with Educationally Outraged- are independent and do not reflect the official stance of my school, my Local Authority or the Department for Education. This independence underscores our unwavering commitment to valuing diverse opinions, including those of all staff within these institutions, and by extension, our listeners.

On today's episode we discuss the fallout from the Observer's investigation into the allegations of “systemic” and “lasting” emotional harm to children at two academies in a Hackney, and their so-called draconian behaviour policiesSteve H and I are joined by "Brad" and "Angelina", two parents of an ex-pupil who share their experience of the long-lasting impact of these policies.Send us Fan MailIf you enjoy this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe. Disclaimer: As a serving Headteacher in London, UK, it’s important to please note that the views shared on this podcast- whether from me, my guests, or any associated with Educationally Outraged- are independent and do not reflect the official stance of my school, my Local Authority or the Department for Education. This independence underscores our unwavering commitment to valuing diverse opinions, including those of all staff within these institutions, and by extension, our listeners.

On today's episode I speak to Steve Harmer, a primary school teacher who shares his views on the JK Rowling furore.We discuss Maya Forstarter, women's rights, transphobia, pronouns, and more.Send us Fan MailIf you enjoy this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe. Disclaimer: As a serving Headteacher in London, UK, it’s important to please note that the views shared on this podcast- whether from me, my guests, or any associated with Educationally Outraged- are independent and do not reflect the official stance of my school, my Local Authority or the Department for Education. This independence underscores our unwavering commitment to valuing diverse opinions, including those of all staff within these institutions, and by extension, our listeners.

My guest today is Ben Lavelle, a teacher of 30 years, who recently retired. Football coach, Education and Wellbeing officer for the LFE, socialist, and long-time friend of Keir Starmer. Amongst other topics, we discuss free speech, the right-wing press, the extraordinary power of social media giants and big business, Keir Starmer, and the Labour Party.Send us Fan MailIf you enjoy this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe. Disclaimer: As a serving Headteacher in London, UK, it’s important to please note that the views shared on this podcast- whether from me, my guests, or any associated with Educationally Outraged- are independent and do not reflect the official stance of my school, my Local Authority or the Department for Education. This independence underscores our unwavering commitment to valuing diverse opinions, including those of all staff within these institutions, and by extension, our listeners.

An introduction to the new podcast, Educationally Outraged.Send us Fan MailIf you enjoy this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe. Disclaimer: As a serving Headteacher in London, UK, it’s important to please note that the views shared on this podcast- whether from me, my guests, or any associated with Educationally Outraged- are independent and do not reflect the official stance of my school, my Local Authority or the Department for Education. This independence underscores our unwavering commitment to valuing diverse opinions, including those of all staff within these institutions, and by extension, our listeners.