1979. Coventry Cathedral. Was it a carol, or a song from the shows, or a hymn? I don’t remember, but I do remember the feeling. A magical moment, where new sounds, smells and just the sheer scale of the setting, made such an impression on my 11-year-old self. Of course, there are several more of… Read More Those Albert Hall Moments.

Goodness knows what is going on behind the door of Number 10, Downing Street. I suppose one day it’ll all come out in yet more political diaries, written in the gardens and estates of rural, southern counties. And we will all remember the chaos and drama, and possibly reflect that, yep, it’s still going on.… Read More Deprivation at Number 10.

Possibly the most unjust and divisive issue in English education at the moment is that of special educational needs and disability (SEND). I’m not one normally given to hyperbole but I think it’s appropriate to call this a national scandal. The most vociferous cry from all those who care about pupils with special educational needs… Read More SEND: The World of Perverse Incentives.

The Passion of Steven Smith. Chapter One On the day before the Gabbath, Steven, along with two of his mates, was accosted by members of the local press. ‘Were you the one with the sandpaper,’ one asked. ‘Do you know the man they call Davie Warner?’ demanded another. Steven was sent to the Australian Cricket… Read More The Passion of Steven Smith

“No, no Mr Gove. Put me down! Please! I’ll confess!”… ‘…Derek, Derek, What on earth are you on about?’, complained Mrs O’Keefe, nearly knocking her husband off the sofa. Derek’s sleeping had not been good for a while. Since he left his role at Thirlmere Academy, he just hadn’t been able to settle, increasingly worried… Read More The Headteacher’s New University Course.

Whilst Ofsted prepares to roll out its new inspection framework, Diocesan inspectorates are still in the early stages of reacting to these changes; they will no doubt roll out their own adaptations, but very much in the slow lane. As things stand, their remit covers the teaching and assessment of RE, the quality of worship… Read More Future of Catholic Schools

This phrase – The Age of Impunity –  is I think recently attributed to David Miliband, the ex-Labour Foreign Secretary from a time when politics seemed quite sane. The phrase attempts to capture how nation states feel they can get away with pretty much anything without any resulting intervention from their neighbours. Think Putin, Trump,… Read More The Age of Impunity