Show Notes
In this episode of Headship After Hours, Paul speaks with Ross McGill — teacher, former deputy headteacher, founder of Teacher Toolkit and one of the most influential voices in education.
I am currently offering a funded £1,000 Senior Attendance & Leadership Review for headteachers navigating attendance pressure.
It begins with a short strategic assessment.
If eligible, this leads to a full review process including:
• On-site school visit • Detailed, school-specific report • Follow-up strategy session • Practical leadership tools
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Together, they explore: • teacher workload and why schools still struggle to reduce it • leadership, relationships and school culture • feedback, marking and professional trust • AI in education and the future of schools • SEND pressures, wellbeing and teacher retention Ross reflects on his journey through leadership, social media, CPD and educational research — and why relationships remain at the centre of effective school leadership. This is a thoughtful and practical conversation for headteachers, senior leaders and educators navigating the realities of modern education. 🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on school leadership, culture and sustainable headship.
Timestamps 00:00 – Leadership, Relationships & School Culture 01:05 – Ross McGill’s Journey Into Teaching 02:24 – Teacher Toolkit & Early Education Influencing 05:22 – Why SLT Chat Went Viral 06:13 – Why Ross McGill Connected With Teachers 08:55 – The Biggest Lesson in Education 10:26 – Difficult Conversations in Leadership 11:17 – Learning From Leadership Mistakes 14:02 – Teacher Workload & The Five Minute Lesson Plan 15:57 – Why Teacher Workload Is Still Rising 16:55 – Marking Policies That Damage Teachers 17:43 – What Makes Feedback Actually Work 19:14 – Metacognition & Learning How to Learn 21:46 – Ross McGill’s Proudest Work 23:54 – MRI Research, Learning & Cognition 25:58 – AI, Literacy & The Future of Schools 28:04 – SEND Crisis & School Pressure 29:52 – Leadership Advice for Headteachers
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