Teachers Talk Radio

Michael Gove Unfiltered - Curriculum, EBacc, Behaviour, Ofsted & Teacher Retention: TTR Special

Michael Gove joins Teachers Talk Radio for a wide-ranging, unfiltered conversation with teachers on the biggest issues in English education and the legacy of his time as Education Secretary.
We cover:• What Gove says he “got wrong” — and why he thinks reforms didn’t go far enough• “The Blob”: regrets, meaning, and who he says it referred to• Curriculum & EBacc: impact on arts, vocational routes, and “knowledge-rich” schooling• SEND & inclusion: reasonable adjustments, direct instruction, and ambition for all pupils• Teacher retention: why 40–50k leave and what he thinks is driving it• Behaviour & violence in schools: exclusions, alternative provision, phones/social media• Ofsted, Amanda Spielman, safeguarding judgements — and the Ruth Perry case• Plus: a quick-fire ending (including Brexit…)
Featuring teacher questions from Liz Webb (English teacher, 20 years) and Yasmin Omar (assistant headteacher).
Thanks to our show partners AQA and Hachette Learning for supporting Teachers Talk Radio.
👍 Like, subscribe, and comment with what you agreed/disagreed with most.🎧 Listen back: ttradio.org📍Teachers Talk Connect (Manchester, 14 March): ttradio.org/connect2026

Growing pAIns: AI in the classroom debate: The Late Show with Tim Smale

AI is everywhere in education. The government says it will transform teacher workload. EdTech companies say it will revolutionise learning. But what does the evidence actually say? Tim and a panel of experts ask the uncomfortable questions: does AI improve learning, or are we solving teacher problems by creating student ones?

Coaching vs Mentoring: The Sunday Lunch Show with Michael Wright

Join Michael Wright for the Sunday Lunch Show with guest Justyn Waterman as they unpack the difference between coaching and mentoring in education, how to support colleagues with both, weigh the pros and cons of each, and share tips plus anecdotes based on Justin's expertise.

Half-term, does it feel good?: The Sunday Breakfast Show with Phin Adams

We talk half-term, hols and grammar! Thanks to everyone who joined in.

Perceptions of Toilet Breaks: The Saturday Breakfast Show with Darren Lester

Darren looks at some research conducted between 2021 and 2024 which examines what pupils, teachers and parents think about the state of toilets in school.

Secondary Geography in Action: TTR Special

In this show, host Christopher Vowles digs into Secondary Geography in Action with its author, David Preece. Published in October 2025, this practical new guide helps geography teachers make sense of subject-specific educational research and put it into action in real secondary classrooms. The conversation explores how evidence-informed practice can support better outcomes for learners while staying grounded in the realities of school life. Whether you’re an experienced geography teacher, a trainee, or a school leader interested in bridging the gap between research and classroom practice, this show offers thoughtful insight, practical ideas, and inspiring discussion on putting research into geography in action. Get the book here: https://www.hachettelearning.com/geography/secondary-geography-in-action

What is the School To Prison Pipeline? The Late Late Show With Lee Pace

Listen to Lee, Graham and David as they delve into The School To Prison Pipeline, considering what it is, how schools can support young people and how the system might need to change.

EHCP explosion - what’s going on with the rise and rise of EHCPs?: Points of View

The panel discuss the evidence suggesting that the number of EHCPs continue to rise in schools - what is the reason for this? What are the solutions? What’s going on?

The gaps - Where real learning lives: The Twilight Show with Tim Smale

Schools often treat subjects as separate, but learning doesn't work that way. In this show, Tim talks with Barry Cooper, Founding Principal of The Global College in Madrid, about student agency, transfer, and why the gaps between lessons, subjects, and experiences might be where real learning lives.

How To Teach One-To-One Lessons: The Sunday Social

In this week's show, Claudia Tumba and Martin Sketchley are joined by Kristine to chat about how we teaching one-to-one lessons should be approached differently compared to group lessons.