In this episode we discuss ideas for how we can build a positive and inspiring whole-school culture which is inclusive of all, drives high standards, and sustainable in the long-term.
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We ask what we mean by “school culture” – the way we do things here – and consider how a school culture intersect with its vision, ethos and values, rules, attitudes, and social norms.

We speak with three school leaders about how they have developed the culture in their institutions and offer a range of practical ideas and “lessons learned”. We ask how a school leader can go about creating and establishing the right culture in their school – what questions should we ask ourselves?

We consider how to communicate your school culture and make it consistent and concrete. How can you sustain your school culture over the long-term and how can you handle any challenges to your culture?

We also consider behaviours that can help establish culture – and how we can “nudge” students to adopt these behaviours.

This episode is hosted by Matt Bromley, an education journalist, author, and advisor with 25 years’ experience in teaching and leadership including as a secondary school headteacher. He remains a practising teacher. Matt is the author of numerous books on education. His guests for this discussion are:

  • Dr Gohar Khan is the director of ethos and culture at the Ridgeway Education Trust in Oxfordshire. She is also the author of Empowering Young Leaders: How your culture and ethos can enhance student leadership within your school (Routledge, 2024). Find Gohar’s previous contributions to SecEd via www.sec-ed.co.uk/authors/dr-gohar-khan/ 
  • Aimee Williams is director of education at the Three Spires Trust, a multi-academy trust based in Staffordshire. Aimee is also a Specialist Leader of Education for both the subject of English and teaching and learning in general. Find Aimee’s previous contributions to SecEd via www.sec-ed.co.uk/authors/aimee-williams/ 
  • Neil Renton is headteacher of Harrogate Grammar School, a large comprehensive school of 2,100 students in North Yorkshire, part of the Red Kite Learning Trust. Find Neil’s previous contributions to SecEd via www.sec-ed.co.uk/authors/neil-renton 

To hear other SecEd podcasts, or to subscribe for free to new editions, search for 'The SecEd Podcast' in your podcast streaming application of choice. Or visit www.sec-ed.co.uk/podcasts. For details about The SecEd Podcast, or to suggest future topics, email editor Pete Henshaw at editor@sec-ed.co.uk