Teachers Talk Radio

Primary schools could be asked to identify children at risk of becoming NEET – not in education, employment or training – years before they actually leave school. Alan Milburn, who is leading a government review into Britain’s growing youth worklessness crisis, argues that the warning signs can appear from a very early age and that schools should play a bigger role in identifying pupils who may need additional sup...

Teachers are expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, both inside and outside the classroom. But where should the line be drawn between personal freedom and professional responsibility? The expectations set out in the Teachers' Standards include the requirement to maintain public trust and demonstrate high standards of personal and professional conduct. To what extent is this at conflict with a teacher’s r...

A BBC Panorama investigation has put the spotlight on the Athena Learning Trust after parents, pupils and former teachers raised concerns about its behaviour policies. The programme features allegations including strict toilet rules, silent music lessons, extensive use of reflection rooms and claims that some neurodiverse pupils were disproportionately affected. Athena says its schools are built on high expectations, that behaviour...

The summer is finally upon us! Teachers are decompressing. Students are celebrating. Holiday companies have tripled their prices. Childcare arrangements become complicated for many families. The summer holidays continue to be a contentious issue, with many differing views within education, let alone outside of it. Join Jo Fox, Maud Waret and Liz Webb to share your opinions on the summer break - or tell us how you’ll be spendi...

Permanent exclusions continue to rise across England, but why? Are schools dealing with the consequences of increasingly difficult home lives, weaker parental support and wider social problems? Or is the education system itself failing children through outdated classrooms, oversized classes and unrealistic expectations? Should exclusions remain a necessary last resort to protect learning, or are they evidence that mainstream educat...

Alpha School has become one of the most talked-about education models in the world. Supporters say AI-powered learning can dramatically improve outcomes while reducing classroom teaching time. Critics question the evidence, the role of teachers, and whether the model can or should be replicated elsewhere. Joining Tom Rogers are Samantha DePalo (Alpha School), Neil Almond (teacher development lead and AI enthusiast) and Donald Clark...

With a new Prime Minister comes a new cabinet, and this week we saw Lucy Powell replace Bridget Phillipson as Secretary of State for Education. As the 8th Education Secretary since 2020, the education sector is understandably wary about yet another appointment to the role. While Lucy Powell’s predecessor has not left the role with successful reviews, what can we expect with the change at the top? As ever, the question has bou...

The government has announced plans to introduce new technical education pathways for Key Stage 4 from 2028, allowing pupils to study subjects such as AI, engineering, coding, manufacturing and mechanics alongside their core GCSEs. The reforms aim to give young people more choice, strengthen links with local employers and equip students with the skills needed for a rapidly changing economy. But could this represent one of the bigges...

A teacher allegedly attacked in her own classroom. Increasing reports of abuse against school staff. Many teachers say the job has become more dangerous than ever before. This week we ask why. Is this simply a reflection of wider societal problems, or have schools become less able to enforce boundaries and protect staff? We also discuss whether young women teachers are particularly vulnerable and what schools should do differently.

What happens when we stop listening for the "right" answer and start listening to truly understand? Join host Famida Choudhary as she welcomes educator and parent Saira Saleem for a heartfelt conversation on the power of authentic listening. Together, they explore how creating emotionally safe spaces allows children to express themselves honestly, strengthening trust, relationships, wellbeing, and learning. From student voice and e...