What does it really take to create schools where people feel safe to speak up, challenge ideas and bring their whole selves to work?

In this episode, Julie Liddell is joined by Laura McPhee, Director of Education at University Schools Trust and author of Empowering Teachers, Improving Schools: Belonging, Psychological Safety and School Improvement. Laura believes psychological safety is far more than a ‘nice to have’, she shares how it can create the conditions for stronger leadership, greater innovation and better outcomes for pupils.

Laura also shares her own leadership experiences, including the lessons she learned from trying to conform to the idea of what a leader ‘should’ be, and why belonging, supportive challenge and cognitive diversity matter at every level of a school community.

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Empowering Teachers, Improving Schools: Belonging, Psychological Safety and School Improvement.
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Curriculum expert, author and former headteacher John Tomsett explains the benefits of values-based leadership in education.

In this episode, John discusses value-based leadership, building psychological safety, creating cultures of trust, and reducing unnecessary workload. You’ll hear practical ways leaders can support staff wellbeing, strengthen school culture, and build sustainable leadership.

John shares insights from his books, 'Putting Staff First', 'Love Over Fear', and 'Mind Over Matter', emphasising the critical role of school leadership in creating a positive, sustainable culture where both staff and students can thrive.

Dr Alexandra Thorp, former primary headteacher and executive head, Ofsted HMI and senior HMI for SEND, and now CEO of a Multi Academy Trust, explores the experiences and barriers faced by women in school leadership.

In this episode, Alex discusses her doctoral research on the gender identity of school leaders and how internalised gender expectations can influence confidence, self-doubt, and leadership identity.

She explores the pressure women can feel to adopt traditionally masculine leadership traits, alongside wider structural barriers including bias and motherhood.

Alex also shares how leadership training, coaching and workplace culture can help create more equitable opportunities for progression.