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
Apply now – https://atrejwhi.formester.com/f/hwL9GCyin/
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
