Advertise on podcast: ASCL Leadership Podcast

In this policy snapshot, Kathryn Morgan, ASCL Leadership and Workforce Specialist, is joined by Professor Samantha Twiselton, Independent Chair of the review of the Professional Development Standards, a process being led by the Chartered College of Teaching. They discuss how a refresh could make the standards a more practical, evidence-informed framework that balances national expectations with professional autonomy and supports high-quality development across the education workforce. October 2026 www.ascl.org.uk/PolicySnapshots

In this special edition, ASCL General Secretary Pepe Di'Iasio and Laura McInerney discuss the events which led up to the decision by ASCL Council on 9 October to pass a vote of no confidence in Ofsted's leadership.

In this episode, host Emma Harrison, ASCL Business Leadership Specialist, is joined by Claire Archibald, legal director in the education team at Browne Jacobson, to talk about all things data protection and data governance. They share practical insight into good practice for schools and trusts, and what it means for business leaders day to day.

Kathryn Morgan, ASCL Leadership and Workforce Specialist, is joined by Alex Quigley, independent consultant, educator, and author to have a thoughtful conversation on literacy, inclusion and adaptive teaching. They explore how anticipating barriers, checking understanding, and adapting in response can make inclusion part of everyday practice, and why literacy, SEND, curriculum and teaching should connect rather than compete. October 2026 www.ascl.org.uk/PolicySnapshots

ASCL Pensions Specialist Mel Moffat is joined by ASCL Deputy Director of Policy, Julia Harnden, to talk about the funding implications of the latest Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS) and Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) valuations. October 2026 www.ascl.org.uk/PolicySnapshots

Deep dives into topical issues hosted by ASCL General Secretary Pepe Di'Iasio and Laura McInerney, education expert, co-founder of Teacher Tapp and former editor of Schools Week. In this episode, Pepe and Laura are joined by Tom Middlehurst, ASCL Deputy Director of Policy, to discuss vocational qualifications and Ofsted.

Deep dives into topical issues hosted by ASCL General Secretary Pepe Di'Iasio and Laura McInerney, education expert, co-founder of Teacher Tapp and former editor of Schools Week. In this episode, Pepe and Laura examine the PISA results, exam pressure for students' mental health and school lunches.

Deep dives into topical issues hosted by ASCL General Secretary Pepe Di'Iasio and Laura McInerney, education expert, co-founder of Teacher Tapp, and former editor of Schools Week. In this episode, Pepe and Laura talk about plans for schools and colleges under Andy Burnham’s government.

In this episode, host Emma Harrison, ASCL Business Leadership Specialist, is joined by Sophie Vipond, Director of External Affairs at the Climate Change Committee, and Paul Edmond, Chief Finance and Sustainability Officer at Heart Academies Trust, to discuss what climate change means for school and college estates and the practical steps leaders can take now.

How can education leaders manage their estates effectively in an increasingly demanding landscape? In this episode of Business Brunch, ASCL Business Leadership Specialist Emma Harrison and education estates specialist Tracy Field explore the growing responsibilities surrounding estate leadership, including compliance, accountability, strategic planning and capital programmes. Also, discover how ASCL and Tracey Field are supporting education leaders through the new Leading and Managing an Education Estate CPD-accredited programme, launching autumn 2026.

Deep dives into topical issues hosted by ASCL General Secretary Pepe Di'Iasio and Laura McInerney, education expert, co-founder of Teacher Tapp, and former editor of Schools Week. In this episode, Pepe and Laura are joined by ASCL Deputy Director of Policy, Tom Middlehurst, to examine 16-19 outcomes, progression, and Andy Burnham's focus on 'parity of esteem'. www.ascl.org.uk/EducationActually

In our series of Associates podcasts, ASCL Professional Leadership Communities Manager Sharon Ealing talks with ASCL Associates and Professional Associates— former heads, business leaders, CEOs and other senior leaders — about life beyond school and college leadership. In this two-part conversation, Sharon Ealing talks with ASCL Professional Associate Steve Playford about life after headship. In the second episode, he picks up the story — from gaining a coaching qualification and finding his USP outside of education, to practical tips on setting up a consultancy and the sense of purpose that has carried him through. www.ascl.org.uk/associates

In our series of Associates podcasts, ASCL Professional Leadership Communities Manager Sharon Ealing talks with ASCL Associates and Professional Associates— former heads, business leaders, CEOs and other senior leaders — about life beyond school and college leadership. In this two-part conversation, Sharon Ealing talks with ASCL Professional Associate Steve Playford about life after headship. In the first episode, Steve speaks candidly about leaving headship, the emotional impact of stepping away, and the first steps he took to find his footing again. www.ascl.org.uk/associates

ASCL Independent Sector Specialist Neil Smith considers how viable and desirable formalising relationships between independent schools and MATs might be. www.ascl.org.uk/PolicySnapshots

Emma Harrison, ASCL Business Leadership Specialist talks to James Browning, COO of Lift Schools about AI and all things digital. www.ascl.org.uk/podcasts/brunch