Joining the Dots

In this engaging conversation, Bukky Yusuf discusses with Matt Jessop and Al Kingsley her mission to empower leaders and young people in education, addressing the significant challenges they face today. She emphasises the importance of creating child-centred schools, the need for flexibility in education, and the role of leadership in fostering a positive environment. The discussion also delves into the impact of AI in education, t...

In this conversation, Matt Jessop and Al Kingsley are joined by Kieran Maguire, Lecturer in football finance at University of Liverpool, author of ‘The Price of Football’ and podcast host of  ‘The Price of Football’ with comedian Kevin Day and BBC money presenter Guy Kilty. They discuss the multifaceted role of football in society, particularly its impact on education, community engagement, and financial sustainability. Kieran em...

In this conversation, Liina Vahtras, the managing director of Estonia's e-residency program, discusses the evolution and impact of the program on entrepreneurship and the digital economy in Estonia with Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop. She highlights the innovations being implemented to streamline the application process, the unique digital ecosystem of Estonia, and the importance of aligning education with the needs of a digital econo...

In this conversation, Al Kingsley, Matt Jessop and Tara Steele discuss the urgent need for safeguards in the use of AI by children. They explore the dangers of AI companions, the role of AI in education, and the importance of regulation and governance.

The conversation emphasises the necessity of educating children about AI, the risks of emerging technologies, and the challenges of keeping up with rapid AI development. They also hi...

In this engaging conversation, Baasit Siddiqui discusses with hosts of the "Joining the Dots Podcast" Matt Jessop and Al Kingsley about his extensive experience in education and the importance of character education, mindset, and the seven Cs. He emphasises the need for project-based learning and collaboration between schools and businesses to better prepare students for the future. The discussion also touches on the challenges fac...

Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop interview Richard O’Neill MBE – Author, master storyteller, founder of Lumberjunkers, visiting professor at Durham, campaigner for men’s health.

• Storytelling as the heart of communication: Richard shares how his Romany upbringing shaped his love of oral storytelling and literacy. He a...

🎙️ Joining the Dots: Challenging the Rhetoric of AI in Education with Bianca Farthing 

In this thought-provoking episode of Joining the Dots, Al and Matt are joined by Bianca, founder of AI Edify, history teacher, and digital leader — to explore how education can rise above the hype of AI and technology to truly serve learners.

Together, they dive into: ✨ Why education must prioritise ethics, safeguarding, and humanity over effici...

In this thought-provoking episode of Joining the Dots, Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop are joined by global education innovator and learner-centred strategist Carla Aerts. With decades of experience in EdTech, AI, and digital learning, Carla brings a passionate, challenging, and compassionate lens to the big question: what is education really for?

🧠 From soft skills (or rather, “power skills”) to digital equity, learner agency, neurop...

🎙️ Joining the Dots – Episode: Bridging Business, Education & Innovation with Naomi Timperley Hosts: Al Kingsley & Matt Jessop | Guest: Naomi Timperley

In this energising episode, Al and Matt are joined by powerhouse Naomi Timperley—innovation consultant, tech community builder, and passionate advocate for youth and entrepreneurship. Naomi shares her inspiring journey across the UK’s tech and education ecosystems, from lau...

In this lively and thoughtful episode, Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop are joined by educator and co-founder of Natterhub, Caroline Allams. Together, they dive into the evolving challenges and opportunities in education, especially around digital safety, parental engagement, and the impact of technology on both learning and wellbeing. Caroline shares her journey from early years teaching to EdTech entrepreneurship, and the trio explore...

In this episode, Matt Jessop and Al Kingsley sit down with Hugh Viney, founder and CEO of Minerva’s Virtual Academy (MVA) — one of the UK’s fastest-growing online schools. From launching with just four students in 2021 to educating over 1,100 full-time learners globally, Hugh shares MVA’s unique hybrid model blending 60% asynchronous and 40% synchronous learning.

💡 Topics include:

• The founding vision of MVA and its rapid gro...

In this episode of Joining the Dots, Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop sit down with Paul Glossop from the University of Derby to explore the growing cracks in our education system, especially around attendance, SEND provision, and the rigidity of traditional pathways. From rising parental disillusionment to the potential of online schools, they tackle big questions about relevance, access, and the future of learning. Together, they exam...

Rethinking the Purpose of Education 

In this episode of the Joining the Dots podcast, Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop sit down with the legendary Professor Mick Waters—renowned curriculum expert and co-author of About Our Schools—to ask the big questions shaping education today.

💡 What is the true purpose of schooling in the 21st century? 📉 Are PISA rankings driving the wrong kinds of change? ⚖️ How can we restore agency to teachers—...

In this thought-provoking episode of the "Joining the Dots" podcast,  hosts Matt Jessop and Al Kingsley chat with Dr. Nick Jackson, AI expert and co-author of "The Next Words: AI and Teachers." Diving into the dynamic intersection of artificial intelligence and education, Nick challenges us to move beyond the superficial integration of AI, urging educators to fundamentally reconsider the very essence and purpose of education.

The d...

In this lively episode, hosts Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop sit down with Jonny Clark—angel investor, CEO of the not-for-profit venture firm Capital Enterprise, and a driving force across multiple UK startup scenes. Jonny shares candid views on why London-based companies often scale faster than those in the north, pointing to policy, infrastructure, and cultural attitudes as bigger factors than pure “entrepreneurial spirit.”

He expla...

The Future of Tech in Education with Miles Berry

In this thought-provoking episode, Matt Jessop and Al Kingsley sit down with Miles Berry, Professor of Computing Education at the University of Roehampton and a leading voice in education, computing, and teacher training. They dive into the evolving role of technology in schools, questioning whether the current teacher training framework is fit for purpose and exploring how AI, compu...

In this episode, Edmund Barnett-Ward joins Matt Jessop and Al Kingsley for an in-depth conversation about the state of Ofsted and school accountability in England. Edmund, known for his advocacy following the tragic death of headteacher Ruth Perry, shares his insights on the flaws in Ofsted's inspection framework, its lack of independent oversight, and the pressures it places on school leaders.

Key discussion points include:

• T...

In this episode of Join the Dots, hosts Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop are joined by Mark Martin (The Urban Teacher, Assistant Professor of Computer Science & Education Practice) for a thought-provoking discussion on the evolving role of technology, AI, and EdTech in education. The conversation explores how schools can meaningfully integrate AI, the pitfalls of EdTech procurement, and why low-tech solutions might be the future of ...

In this inspiring episode, Matt Jessop and Al Kingsley discuss with Dave McPartlin what it really takes to run a school that puts children and community first—often in spite of rigid frameworks and outdated policies. From racing office chairs down school corridors to taking students to New York, Dave shares how his school, Flakefleet Primary, is pushing boundaries to give children life-changing experiences while tackling rising de...