Catherine Loake is joined once again by Carol Bennett to explore the growing contradictions within the education system and the impact these tensions are having on school leaders. The conversation examines the increasing fragmentation across education policy and practice, from school place planning and financial accountability to inclusion, SEND provision, Ofsted, falling rolls, and the competing expectations placed on education professionals. Bite-sized listening for headteachers, CEOs, scho...

Change is a constant in school, but not all change is created equal. While curriculum developments are often embraced, changes to systems, processes, and back-office functions can prove far more challenging. In this episode, Catherine Loake, Director of Business Services at HFL Education, is joined by HR expert Hena Mahmood to explore why change can feel so difficult in school settings, and what leaders can do to make it more successful. Drawing on extensive experience supporting schools and ...

To insource or to outsource? That is the question. In this episode, Catherine Loake, Director of Business Services at HFL Education, is joined by Jackie Keegan, Head of Financial Services, to unpack the realities behind insourcing and outsourcing in schools and trusts. Drawing on over 27 years of experience Jackie explores why there is no one-size-fits-all answer, why flexibility is key and how school leaders can rethink traditional service models, shift towards outcome-focused conversa...

As financial pressures across education continue to intensify, more and more schools are finding themselves approaching, or already in, deficit. In this episode, Catherine Loake, Director of Business Services at HFL Education, is joined by Lisa Holroyd, Head of Academies Finance, to explore what school leaders can do when finances become unsustainable. Together, they unpack the reality behind the “perfect storm” facing schools: rising costs, increasing SEND needs, falling pupil numbers, and s...

Technology in schools can be a powerful tool, or a significant burden. In this episode, Catherine Loake, Director of Business Services at HFL Education, is joined by Zoran Dimitrijevic, Head of Technology in Schools, to explore why some schools thrive with technology while others struggle. They unpack the two critical ingredients for success: a clear strategy and governance framework, and choosing the right IT delivery partner. With growing cyber threats, evolving digital expectations, and in...

School leaders are under unprecedented pressure. With growing responsibilities, rising costs, and limited budgets, the challenge of delivering high-quality education while maintaining financial stability has never been greater. In this episode, Catherine Loake, Director of Business Services at HFL Education, sits down with CEO Carole Bennett to explore how school leaders can navigate the reality of “doing more with less.” The HFL Education Business Services Podcast is a series of short, prac...

Listen to Shammi Rahman, HFL Education’s Race Equality Adviser and Rachel de Souza, Children’s Commissioner for England discuss the importance of RE for young people and bringing communities together in our special 2-parter podcast episode. HFL Education (formally Herts for Learning) is a not-for-profit organisation providing all the services, training and resources needed to deliver a great education to every child.

In our first episode Shammi and Rachel about how vital RE is. Now listen to them discuss the Child Q case, race equity and advice to young people and headteachers. HFL Education (formally Herts for Learning) is a not-for-profit organisation providing all the services, training and resources needed to deliver a great education to every child.

For our first podcast episode of the 2022/23 academic year, HFL Primary English Advisers, Kathy Roe and Juliet McCullion discuss all things Reading Fluency with special guests from the renowned Education Endowment Foundation (EEF). Sarah Green is the former EEF Content Specialist for Literacy. She leads literacy in her Trust and works as Assistant Headteacher across mainstream and special secondary schools within The Prospere Learning Trust, South Manchester. She is also a Voice21 Nati...

At Herts for Learning we are committed to supporting and welcoming individuals from all backgrounds and lived experiences to feel connected, authentic and have a sense of belonging within our diverse community while supporting our core purpose. In this podcast we discuss LGBTQ+ issues in schools and settings, including how teachers can implement a framework and what resources are available. We examine concerns raised around teaching children and young people the topic of LGBTQ+, a...