Heads & Tales

Susannah Hardyman MBE is CEO of Impetus, the organisation that finds the best education and youth employment charities and helps them scale. She founded Action Tutoring from her kitchen in 2011, grew it to 7,000 pupils a year, then found herself advising government on the National Tutoring Programme when COVID hit. In this episode, Susannah reflects on what that whirlwind taught her about implementation, shares her controversial opinion that we've never properly acknowledged how badly we let down young people during the pandemic, and explains why kindness is an underrated leadership value.

Melody Lang isn't a head teacher. She's an investor, a mathematician and an engineer who's spent 15 years figuring out what actually works in EdTech and what's just noise. In this episode, she shares the red flags she looks for in products, explains why she thinks traditional exams are testing the wrong things, and doesn't hold back on higher education: the middle tier is in trouble, and maybe you shouldn't bother going to uni at all. She also delivers a warning every parent needs to hear: AI will make some young people smarter and others dumber, and the difference is in how they choose to use it.

Guðmundur Hegner Jónsson is the founding principal of Lisbon International School, a new values-driven school housed in a converted 1905 pasta factory. His path to education is unlike any other: he dug up Viking burials for Iceland's National Museum, trained as a bass vocalist at the Royal Academy of Music, and spent 20 years teaching across Serbia, China, the UAE and South Korea before becoming rector of UWC Red Cross Nordic. In this episode, Guðmundur explains the BOA principles at the heart of his new school, shares what it really means to give students voice rather than treating it as a tick-box exercise, and reflects on why education has become too exams-focused.

Toby Seth is Whitgift's 30th headmaster, back in his South London roots having been educated at Dulwich College. A linguist by training with a degree from Trinity Cambridge, he's held leadership roles at Wellington College, Godolphin and Latymer and Pocklington before returning south. Now midway through his first year at Whitgift, Toby shares his passionate case for languages as a way of becoming more human in an AI age, explains how sport can counter machismo in boys' schools and reflects on the strategic work underway to define Whitgift's vision for the future. He also offers a mantra for every educator: the child in front of you is the most precious thing in someone's world.

Jesse Elzinga has been head of Sevenoaks since 2020, leading one of the UK's flagship IB schools. A dual US-UK citizen raised on a farm outside Detroit, Jesse sold apples at farmers markets before winning a place at Harvard with a generous bursary, then a scholarship to Oxford. That journey drives his ambition to have one in three Sevenoaks students on a free or assisted place by the school's 600th anniversary in 2032. In this episode, Jesse makes a passionate case for the IB as the best 16-18 education in the world, explains why dropping maths at 16 is not okay, and delivers a surprising controversial opinion: GCSEs are actually great.

James Monaghan is the CEO and founding principal of GEMS School of Research and Innovation, the group's new flagship in Dubai which opened in September 2025. With 30 years in international education spanning the UAE, UK, USA and South Korea, this is the third school James has opened from scratch. In this episode, he explains what makes launching a school so uniquely challenging, why teacher training hasn't kept pace with technology, and how SRI is investing in dedicated innovation time for staff. James shares his controversial view that busy students are the most successful, and describes taking pupils to build biogas units in rural Nepal with no wifi, no phones and no air conditioning.

Helen Pike is the first female master in Magdalen College School's 500-year history. Originally from Preston and the first in her family to attend university, she read history at Christ Church, Oxford, just 300 yards from where she now leads one of Britain's top day schools. In this episode, Helen shares what she tells sixth form girls about imposter syndrome and why confidence is the trait most correlated with success. She explains why she asks prospective parents to find out how much a school sings together, offers advice for aspiring heads on building teams, and delivers her controversial opinion: not everybody can be good at everything, and accepting that might be a relief rather than a burden.

Richard Jones never planned to be a teacher. He studied economics, worked in recruitment, rented out custom-wrapped camper vans to backpackers, and only discovered teaching after spending a week shadowing his best friend in a classroom. Now he's head of Bryanston, one of Britain's most distinctive schools, having made the leap from senior deputy to headship in just 15 months during Covid. In this episode, Richard explains the Bryanston method of giving students real independence from Year 9, shares his frustration with league tables that reduce schools to exam results and makes the case for scrapping school uniform: "Instead of saying tuck your shirt in, I'm saying how's your day going?"

This week marks Oppidan's 10th birthday, and we're turning the microphone around. Chief of Staff Adam Goodbody, who has worked alongside the founders for eight years, puts Henry Faber and Walter Kerr in the hot seat. They share the real origin story: a kitchen table office, a dad in a dressing gown and a phone call to a headteacher that launched their first school programme days later. Henry and Walter reflect on the summer camps that were "magic but financially ruinous," the China disaster trip, surviving Covid and why they've come to believe that every child, regardless of background, has remarkably similar needs when it comes to mentoring.

Dr Mary Ashun is CEO of Ghana International School, one of West Africa's leading international schools, where she's spent over 12 years building what she calls "talent architecture" - pipelines to grow Ghanaian teachers and leaders rather than relying on expat hires. A scientist turned educator with degrees from London, Toronto and Buffalo, she's also a Klingenstein Fellow from Columbia and an author of children's books. In this episode, Mary shares the remarkable story of a teacher who swims through crocodile-infested waters to reach his classroom, explains why England poaching 2,300 Ghanaian teachers while offering education aid feels like a contradiction and delivers a powerful challenge: with Africa set to be the demographic centre of gravity, a curriculum where just 6% of texts are African is failing our children.

Dr Kelly Fradin is a pediatrician, childhood cancer survivor and author of Advanced Parenting. Now chair of pediatrics at Atria in New York, she's spent her career at the intersection of healthcare and education, from public schools in the South Bronx to supporting families globally. In this episode, Kelly shares her nuanced take on the ADHD diagnosis debate - why we're both overdiagnosing and missing children who need help - and explains the delicate balance between advocating for your child and stepping back to build their resilience.

Dr Michel Khoury went from M&A at the notorious investment bank Bear Stearns to building a global education empire. After returning to Lebanon to take over Eastwood College – the school his father founded – he's expanded into Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Nigeria and beyond, with an online school he calls the "crown jewel" of the group. In this episode, Michel explains why he believes focused online learning can match traditional school results in half the time, predicts the international school sector will consolidate into just a handful of major players and shares a controversial opinion on why bullying isn't all bad...

Erica Corbin is the Head of Cathedral School of St. John the Divine, the K-8 Episcopal school on Manhattan's Upper West Side now approaching its 125th year. After leadership roles at Collegiate and Chapin – two titans of NYC private education, one boys and one girls – she brings a rare perspective on what different school environments offer children. In this episode, Erica shares the uncomfortable observation she made moving between single-sex schools: we tell boys "they'll get there eventually" while holding girls to higher, more relentless standards. She explains why Cathedral's mission centres on mattering and being part of something bigger, makes the case that the future of teaching is career changers not education graduates and reflects on why headship in Manhattan has been far less lonely than she expected.

Rob Millar has been at Shrewsbury International Bangkok since 2010 – long enough to see the city's British school market explode from a handful of institutions to over 100. Now principal, he shares what it's really like navigating a culture where grandparents influence university choices, parents enquire about Ivy League prep for newborns and the hardest conversation is helping a student find their own voice. He reveals why he's sceptical about classroom technology despite having brilliant resources, and what dressing up as a pantomime rat teaches you about school leadership. Not to be missed!

Jo Duncan became a headmistress at 34 with no senior leadership experience because someone saw something in her she hadn't seen herself. Now leading Wycombe Abbey, one of the UK's top girls' boarding schools, Jo shares what makes their mixed-age dormitories unique, why she's sceptical of boys' schools taking girls in sixth form and what a delayed flight from Delhi taught her about leadership. Plus: her thoughts on "sharenting", the smartphone debate and where the independent sector goes from here.

Up next on Heads & Tales, we're joined by Tom Ferguson, Head of Dwight School Seoul. Speaking from South Korea, Tom reflects on a leadership journey shaped as much by early missteps as by success — from learning when to slow down and listen to navigating cultural expectations in a different country. He shares what it’s really like leading an IB school in Seoul, why being clear with families about what the school is (and isn’t) matters and how consistency and credibility are built day by day rather than through sweeping statements.

On this episode of Heads & Tales, we're joined by Gareth Parker-Jones, Head Master of of Rugby School – one of the UK's most historic schools and the birthplace of the sport. Gareth discusses leading the near 500-year-old institution in the modern world, from character education and the curriculum, to smartphone policies and the wider pressures facing young people today. It's a great conversation and a rare opportunity to peek behind the curtain of one of the most famous schools in the world.

Recorded from his office beneath a poster reading “Work hard and be nice to people,” Matthew Shanks joins Walter Kerr for the first episode of 2026 to reflect on leadership, accountability and what success in education really looks like. Drawing on more than 30 years in the profession – as a headteacher, CEO of Education South West and Ofsted inspector – Matthew makes a compelling case for judging education over decades, not data points, and for leading with principle and humanity in a demanding system.

In this episode, Peter Hyman shares his unique journey from political strategist to educator, discussing the evolution of education in the UK, the importance of oracy and the challenges faced by teachers and politicians alike. He reflects on his experiences in the classroom, the significance of mentorship, and his vision for the future of education, emphasising the need for authenticity in political communication and the importance of listening to young people.

Our next guest on Heads & Tales needs little introduction. As Head Master of Eton College for the last decade, Simon Henderson is at the helm of one of the world's most recognisable, and scrutinised, schools. In a Heads & Tales first, Simon joined us in person in the studio, speaking to Walter Kerr about the reality of running a near 600-year-old institution whilst preparing teenage boys for a world changing faster than any generation before them.

In this episode of Heads & Tales, Walter Kerr speaks with Jade Bowler, creator of the Unjaded Jade platform and author of The Only Study Guide You’ll Ever Need. Jade traces her journey from high-achieving student to global educator, reflecting on Minerva University, active learning and the emotional realities of modern adolescence. She also makes the case for why authenticity, wellbeing and real-world skills should sit at the heart of any meaningful education reform.

In this episode of Heads & Tales, Henry Faber speaks with Robert Tomalin, Principal of Oeiras International School in Lisbon. From his own journey through the UWC movement to leading a truly international IB school, Robert reflects on diversity, service learning, leadership and why community remains the defining strength of any school. He also makes a compelling case for why publishing exam results may do more harm than good.

In this episode of Heads & Tales, Henry Faber is joined by Matt Horvat, Head of the American School in London. Matt reflects on leading one of the capital’s most distinctive international schools, the difference between American and British approaches to education and what schools can do to balance academic rigour with human connection in an AI-obsessed world.

Up next on Heads & Tales is journalist and author Jenny Anderson, whose book The Disengaged Teen has reshaped how educators and parents understand adolescent learning. Tapping into the minds of 68,000 students, Jenny explains why so many teens switch off from school, the four modes they cycle through and what parents and teachers can do to help them rediscover their drive and purpose.

Sir Anthony Seldon is a man of many guises – historian, author and without doubt one of the most influential educators in the UK. From the impact of AI to a crisis of unhappiness in schools, Seldon argues that the future of education hinges on rediscovering what makes us truly human. His episode is one of meaning, humility and hope, told with the unquestionable authority of a man who has dedicated his life to both politics and the classroom.

In this episode of Heads & Tales, Henry Faber hosts Jane Lunnon, Head of Alleyn’s School. From expanding Alleyn’s network of schools to launching pioneering AI and wellbeing programmes, Jane shares her philosophy on leadership, creativity and courage, and why she believes schools should be places of joy, curiosity and connection.

In this episode of Heads & Tales, Henry Faber is joined by Steve Marshall-Taylor, Headmaster of Brighton College. Steve reflects on what it means to lead a community built on both tradition and innovation, from the unifying power of whole-school moments to the quiet resilience that defines great teaching and leadership. He talks about Brighton’s growing boarding culture, the global reach of its partner schools and how international expansion funds life-changing bursaries at home. Above all, he makes the case for celebrating quiet confidence: the kind of self-assurance that doesn’t need to shout to make an impact.

In this episode of Heads & Tales, Henry Faber speaks with Naheed Bardai, Principle of UWC Atlantic College. From rescuing an Afghan student during the Taliban takeover to launching an innovative new curriculum, Naheed shares how this radical Welsh boarding school is preparing teenagers for the complex, interconnected world of 2060.

In this episode of Heads & Tales, Walter hosts BJ Fogg, Stanford researcher, founder of the Behaviour Design Lab and author of the bestseller Tiny Habits. From mentoring the co-founder of Instagram to disrupting traditional schools of thought, BJ shares stories and practical tips for anyone trying to change behaviour – at home, at school or at work.

Walter Kerr is joined by Brett Wigdortz OBE, visionary founder of Teach First and co-founder of Tiney. From the early battles to prove Teach First could work to his new mission tackling childcare, Brett reflects on two decades of reform, the future of teacher recruitment and why early years deserve far more attention.

In this episode of Heads & Tales, Walter Kerr speaks to Alison Derbyshire, the first female Head of Dulwich College Seoul. From topping the IB rankings in Korea to tackling the hagwon culture, Alison reflects on balancing rigour with wellbeing, leading an all-female team and rethinking what success should mean for students in Korea today.

In this episode, Walter Kerr speaks to Dr Neil Hampton, CEO of Rugby Schools Group. From opening a new campus in Lagos to growing the UK education brand abroad, Neil reflects on global expansion, cultural reciprocity and the lessons of a long career in the education sector.

In this episode of Heads & Tales, Henry Faber speaks with Rachel Bailey, Headmistress of Benenden School in Kent. From leading a thriving community of over 550 girls to championing individual passions and personal growth, Rachel shares thoughtful perspectives on empowering young women.

In this episode of Heads & Tales, Henry Faber speaks with Grant Ferguson, Director of Verbier International School in Switzerland. From merging two schools in a world-famous ski resort to balancing academic rigour with mountain exploration, Grant shares candid insights on leadership, holistic education and why small schools can deliver on a big scale.

Henry Faber is joined by Will Campbell, founding Head of Franklin School in New Jersey. From building a high-performing school at half the typical cost to rethinking college prep and teacher development, Will shares what it takes to lead with clarity, culture and trust. A sharp, honest look at school leadership in one of the world’s most competitive education markets.

In this episode of Heads & Tales, Henry Faber speaks with Simon Lockyer, Principal of the British School of Milan. Reflecting on his first year in international education after a long UK-based career, Simon discusses leadership, school culture, the IB curriculum and the importance of naughty students. From campus moves to post-COVID parenting dynamics, he brings thoughtful insight to the challenges of running a truly global school.

On this week's episode of Heads & Tales, we're joined by a bona fide big fish of the education world. Michael Lambert is the Global Education Director of Inspired Education Group, an ever-expanding network of 120 schools across six continents that oversees the education of over 90,000 students. He shares his insights on curriculum innovation, AI's role in education and what the future holds of independent education.

This week on Heads & Tales, we're joined by Mike Pettifer, CEO of the Woodard Academies Trust and a former senior civil servant at the Department for Education. With over a decade at the Education and Skills Funding Agency – formerly responsible for deploying £40 billion each year – Mike brings a dual perspective on both policy and practice of education in the UK.

With Walter Kerr at the hosting helm, our next episode of Heads & Tales features Stephen Lehec, Headmaster of Kingston Grammar School. Once one of the country's youngest secondary heads, Stephen has spent his career celebrating the role of education not just as an academic pursuit, but as a stimulus for social mobility, confidence and personal growth.

Beaming in from San Francisco, next to join us on Heads & Tales is the bold and uncompromising Ben Nelson, founder of Minerva Project and Minerva University. Amongst many other feathers in his cap, Ben is a devout education reformer and Silicon Valley superstar in a previous life.

In the latest episode of Heads & Tales, Henry Faber sits down with Alastair Land, Headmaster of Harrow School since 2019 - a true titan of independent education with a career spanning the very best of British schooling. 

In the latest episode of Heads & Tales, Henry Faber sits down with Clare Fernyhough, founding partner of Smartphone Free Childhood, the grassroots movement that's taken the parenting world by storm.

In the latest episode of Heads & Tales, Henry Faber is joined by James Priory, Headmaster at Tonbridge School since August 2018. James brings a compelling story to independent education - from his beginnings as an assisted place beneficiary at King Edward's Birmingham to becoming the first internally appointed headmaster at Portsmouth Grammar School in almost 200 years.

In this episode of Heads & Tales, Henry Faber speaks to Tomas Duckling, the newly appointed Headmaster of Dubai College. From boarding schools in the Swiss Alps to one of the Middle East’s most academically ambitious institutions, Tom reflects on the values that have shaped his career: kindness, joy and character. He shares stories of transformative mentorship, early leadership challenges and why Marcus Aurelius sits on his desk. A measured and reflective conversation with a head who believes education’s ultimate goal is simple: to be a good human being.

Henry is joined by Professor Dr Ger Graus OBE – education trailblazer and provocateur – best known as the first Global Director of Education at KidZania. A true internationalist with roots in the Netherlands and a career forged in the UK, Ger’s impact on global education has been both profound and unconventional.

In the wake of the UK government's much-debated VAT in private schools policy, our next Heads & Tales guest needs no introduction. Julie Robinson is the CEO of the Independent Schools Council and one of the most recognisable figures in the independent sector – an articulate, tenacious and steadfast advocate for private education in the UK that is currently in the throes of a High Court legal battle with the government.

Fresh from his Forbes 30 Under 30 feature, Zubair Junjunia joins Heads & Tales to talk about founding ZNotes at 16, building a global student-led learning movement and why the future of education lies in equity, community and a bit of fiction.

Next up is Chris Balme; educator, author and passionate advocate for reimagining middle school education. As the founding principal of Hakuba International School and former head of a progressive middle school, Chris brings a wealth of experience in shaping learning environments that nurture curiosity, purpose and self-discovery.

Our next guest on Heads & Tales is Dr. Blake Spahn, co-founder and Chancellor of Dwight Global Online School. With a PhD from Oxford and a deep-rooted passion for education, Dr. Spahn shares his insights into the evolution of online learning, the importance of global-minded education and how technology is reshaping the academic landscape.

The fiftieth episode: what an honour it as been for us to even briefly tap into the wisdom and stories of 50 Heads & Tales guests, all of whom have played their part in shaping the education sector around the world. And what better way to celebrate this global outreach than to introduce our latest guest Alan Williamson, CEO of UAE education powerhouse Taaleem.