Joining the Dots

Episode 9 with Jonny Clark

In this lively episode, hosts Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop sit down with Jonny Clark—angel investor, CEO of the not-for-profit venture firm Capital Enterprise, and a driving force across multiple UK startup scenes. Jonny shares candid views on why London-based companies often scale faster than those in the north, pointing to policy, infrastructure, and cultural attitudes as bigger factors than pure “entrepreneurial spirit.”

He explains how true innovation demands stepping away from “hustle culture” clichés and focusing on real-world needs—especially in sectors like education and manufacturing, where Jonny sees enormous potential for growth if the right support structures are in place. Al and Matt draw parallels between entrepreneurship and the education sector, pressing Jonny for insights on how schools might better prepare students for rapidly shifting job markets. Jonny raises concerns that schools may be overhyping emerging technology—especially AI—without first investing in fundamental skills and infrastructure.

Still, Jonny’s optimism shines through. He champions the idea of “venture-scale thinking” beyond just London, urging entrepreneurs anywhere in the UK to set their sights on global markets. Ultimately, the conversation spotlights the interplay between policy, culture, and technology in shaping a healthier startup ecosystem—and hints at the promising future that lies ahead if education and industry learn to innovate together.

Episode 8 With Miles Berry

The Future of Tech in Education with Miles Berry

In this thought-provoking episode, Matt Jessop and Al Kingsley sit down with Miles Berry, Professor of Computing Education at the University of Roehampton and a leading voice in education, computing, and teacher training. They dive into the evolving role of technology in schools, questioning whether the current teacher training framework is fit for purpose and exploring how AI, computing, and digital skills should shape the future curriculum.

📌 Key Topics Discussed:
✅ The gap in technology training for new teachers and upcoming changes
✅ How curriculum and assessment need to evolve for a digital-first world
✅ The role of computing in education—should it be a core subject?
✅ The impact of high-stakes testing and its effect on curriculum innovation
✅ How Ofsted and policymakers influence (or hinder) tech adoption in schools

🚀 Miles shares his vision for rethinking GCSE computing, making tech education accessible and equitable for all students, and why schools should have more freedom to innovate.

A must-listen for educators, policymakers, and anyone passionate about the future of learning! 🎧✨

Episode 7 with Edmund Barnett-Ward

In this episode, Edmund Barnett-Ward joins Matt Jessop and Al Kingsley for an in-depth conversation about the state of Ofsted and school accountability in England. Edmund, known for his advocacy following the tragic death of headteacher Ruth Perry, shares his insights on the flaws in Ofsted's inspection framework, its lack of independent oversight, and the pressures it places on school leaders.

Key discussion points include:

• The ineffectiveness of Ofsted's "tinkering" reforms and its continued focus on judgment rather than improvement.
• The urgent need for an independent complaints process to ensure fairness and accountability.
• The harmful impact of Ofsted's high-stakes inspections on school staff well-being.
• Alternative peer-review models that could foster supportive, context-driven evaluations rather than punitive measures.

Edmund also reflects on his background as a toy designer and his work on Doctor Who action figures, bringing a creative perspective to the discussion.

🔍 A thought-provoking conversation that challenges the status quo and calls for meaningful reform in school inspections.

🎧 Listen now to explore how we can create a more supportive and effective education system.

Episode 6 with Mark Martin

In this episode of Join the Dots, hosts Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop are joined by Mark Martin (The Urban Teacher, Assistant Professor of Computer Science & Education Practice) for a thought-provoking discussion on the evolving role of technology, AI, and EdTech in education. The conversation explores how schools can meaningfully integrate AI, the pitfalls of EdTech procurement, and why low-tech solutions might be the future of innovation in education. They also highlight the importance of questioning AI biases and ensuring that technology is a tool for real-world problem-solving rather than a quick fix for systemic educational challenges.

Key Discussion Topics:

• The Role of Technology in Education – How the shift from ICT to computing changed teaching and learning, and why technology should enhance rather than patch over systemic issues.
• AI in Schools – Threat or Opportunity? – Addressing fears that AI will replace teachers, while recognizing its potential to reduce workload and enhance learning.
• EdTech as a Tool for Real-World Problem-Solving – Examples of using technology to tackle local issues like air pollution, engaging students in meaningful, inquiry-driven learning.
• Bias in AI and Large Language Models – The risks of underrepresented cultures and perspectives in AI training data and the need to teach students critical questioning skills.
• The Problem with EdTech Procurement – Schools often purchase big-brand solutions without questioning effectiveness or data privacy, leading to poor investment decisions.
• The Future of EdTech – Simplicity & Offline Solutions – Why low-tech, cost-effective, and offline solutions could be the next big innovation in education.
• Final Advice for Educators – The importance of having both a local and global perspective to stay ahead of educational trends and innovations.

 

 

Episode 5 with Dave McPartlin

In this inspiring episode, Matt Jessop and Al Kingsley discuss with Dave McPartlin what it really takes to run a school that puts children and community first—often in spite of rigid frameworks and outdated policies.

From racing office chairs down school corridors to taking students to New York, Dave shares how his school, Flakefleet Primary, is pushing boundaries to give children life-changing experiences while tackling rising deprivation, overstretched SEND support, and the relentless pressures on our schools.

In the conversation we tackle:
✔ The broken school funding system and why it needs urgent reform
✔ Whether Ofsted should be scrapped and what real accountability could look like
✔ How schools are stepping in where social services and Sure Start once stood
✔ The power of community hubs in tackling poverty, loneliness, and crime

With some candid reflections, quite a bit of humour, and a lot of passion, this episode is really a cracker.

Episode 4 with John Sibbald

Empowering Digital Skills & Agency in Education with John Sibbald🎙️

In this episode, Matt Jessop and Al Kingsley sit down with John Sibbald to explore the transformative work happening in Greater Manchester around digital skills, project-based learning, and industry engagement in schools. John shares insights on the MBAC initiative, which bridges the gap between education and employment, ensuring young people gain relevant digital skills and a line of sight to good jobs.

We discuss:

✅ The digital agency approach – integrating digital skills across the curriculum
✅ How employers are collaborating with schools to bring learning to life
✅ The shift towards project-based and problem-based learning
✅ The importance of teacher support and professional development in digital literacy
✅ Why digital skills aren't just for students – parents and communities need them too!

John also shares his thoughts on AI in education, the need for honest conversations about edtech, and why giving teachers permission to innovate could be the key to real change. 🚀

🔗 Resources Mentioned:
👉 MBAC Initiative & Digital Agency Model
👉 TeachMate AI’s Free AI Progression Tool for Schools

Listen now for an insightful discussion on the future of education, digital skills, and real-world learning! 🎧

Our apologies; the audio wasn't brilliant on this episode, as all of the guests were remote, but it's well worth a listen.

#Education #EdTech #DigitalSkills #ProjectBasedLearning #AIinEducation #Podcast

Episode 3 with Martyn Collins

Bridging Education, Industry, and Technology with Brilliant

In this episode, Martyn Collins, founder of the Brilliant Festival, joins Matt Jessop and Al Kingsley to discuss the festival's mission and its growing impact on the education sector. Brilliant was created to address the talent and skills gap between industry and education, fostering collaboration among educators, technology innovators, and businesses. Martyn shares insights on the unique approach of Brilliant, including its emphasis on supporting teachers, promoting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education, and preparing students for the evolving demands of the workforce.

Key topics include:

✅The origin of Brilliant as a northern alternative to traditionally southern-focused education events.

✅The festival's role in showcasing emerging technologies and their practical application in classrooms.

✅The importance of equipping students with critical soft skills like communication and adaptability, which are increasingly valued over traditional qualifications.

✅Challenges in connecting the siloed efforts of businesses, educators, and policymakers.

✅The evolving role of teachers, particularly with the rise of AI and technology, and how events like Brilliant support their development.

The hosts and guest also explore the future of education events, the potential for Brilliant to expand its reach, and the need for a global mindset in equipping students with skills for a competitive workforce. They end on an optimistic note, emphasizing the importance of hope and collaboration in shaping a brilliant future for education.

Check out - https://www.brilliantfestival.com/

 

Episode 2 with Daniel Sawko

Episode 2 of the "Joining the Dots" Podcast, with Matt Jessop and Al Kingsley, with guest Daniel Swako CEO and Founder of Shipshape Venture Capital. Shipshape.vc is a free investor search engine that enables you to search investors and investments by topics.

There were 3 major themes that weaved throughout our conversation:

The Need for Evolution in Education: This theme dominates much of the discussion. We all agree that the current education system is outdated and needs to evolve to better prepare students for a rapidly changing world.

The EdTech Investment Landscape: Dan provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in the EdTech investment market. Key points include:

• Evidence-Based Investment - Investors prioritize solutions that demonstrate clear evidence of need, market validation, and potential for growth. 

• Regional Disparities: The conversation touches on the difficulties faced by startups outside major tech hubs and the role of regional funds in addressing this. 

• The Importance of the Team: Beyond the technology itself, the expertise and experience of the team behind an EdTech solution are crucial for attracting investment.

The Role of Innovation and Accountability: The tension between innovation and the need for accountability in education:

• Barriers to Innovation: The speakers discuss how accountability frameworks and limited budgets can stifle innovation in schools. 

• The Power of Validation: Daniel emphasises the importance of validating ideas and demonstrating market demand before seeking investment, a principle applicable to both entrepreneurs and educators. 

Long-Term Vision: The discussion highlights the need for long-term investment and a shift away from short-term political cycles to achieve meaningful educational reform.

A few key Highlights

The Changing Landscape of Knowledge Acquisition: Daniel argues that the rise of technology, particularly large language models (LLMs), is democratising access to knowledge and enabling people to reach the "edge of human knowledge" sooner.

"The access to online large language models... is going to give rise to... a completely changed how much information and knowledge I'm able to consume on a daily basis. That's going to be filtering its way downstream as well in terms of earlier year groups."

"Whether or not we are going to start seeing more people able to sort of hit the edge of what's currently known and humanly possible sooner within their education or careers."

This underscores the potential for technology to revolutionise how we learn and access information, with implications for education and beyond.

The Value of Human Capital: Daniel stresses the importance of human skills like initiative, tenacity, and discipline, arguing that these are often undervalued in the current education system.

"Outside of technology roles, I couldn't give a hoot about whether someone went to university or not. It's about... the human skills because actually those matter far more now."

"That's something that our education system drives out of us. And you have to relearn it in many ways after you leave."

This highlights a crucial shift in the skills needed to thrive in the modern world, emphasising the importance of qualities that go beyond traditional academic measures.