What does wellbeing look like in school?

In this episode, Annie explores how schools can better understand and support student wellbeing—an often unseen but powerful influence on academic progress. From attitudes toward school and self-esteem to peer relationships and resilience, we discuss the many factors that shape a student’s experience. Our guests reflect on recurring wellbeing themes in both primary and secondary schools and how baseline assessments can help identify hidden barriers to learning. We also consider what can be measured, how often, and how students might respond. Finally, we explore how schools can use this data to take meaningful steps toward improving student wellbeing and outcomes.

Useful links

Wellbeing after the pandemic

Creating a culture of care

What affects wellbeing in school?

Guests

Anna Hayesmore, former Primary Headteacher

Suzanne Tipping, former Business and Economics Teacher

What does it really mean to be an EAL (English as an Additional Language) learner? And why is this group a key focus in education?

Annie is joined by researcher and former teacher, Chris Jellis, to explore the wide spectrum of EAL proficiency, from social fluency to academic language needs. They take a look at the tools you can use – like Cambridge Insight – to help identify learner needs. Annie also draws on her own experience to offer practical strategies and suggestions teachers can use to support EAL learners in ever classroom.

Useful links

Adapting formative assessment for EAL learners

Dr Jellis’ research into English language levels

The Bell Foundation

Guest

Dr Chris Jellis, Senior Research Associate

Strong maths skills are essential across any curriculum, but you’re more likely to hear someone say ‘Maths is not my strong point,’ even as an adult teaching maths!

In this episode, Annie talks to former teachers and leaders about the impact maths anxiety can have on student confidence and performance. They explore how maths is assessed during the different stages of education and discuss how baseline data at the start of the academic year can help tailor support and track progress effectively, ensuring every learner can thrive in maths from day one.

Useful links

Why are early maths skills so important?

Guests

Anna Hayesmore, former Primary Head and Maths Specialist

Suzanne Tipping, former Business and Economics Teacher

How do you really know what the data is telling you?

Annie and Andy take you 'behind the scenes' of assessment data, unpacking some of the statistical jargon, and help you become more confident in your data literacy skills. They also put a focus on exam predictions, how they are created from baseline data and why they are statistically reliable.

Useful links

How do we make predictions?

Standardised Scores 101

Guest

Andy Lyth, Statistician

How confident are you with your data?

Annie is joined by statistician Andy Lyth to demystify data and discuss the importance of context. They take a close look at standardisations - what it is, why it's important for assessments and what it can tell you about your students.

Key terms to listen out for: standardisations, stanines, comparison population, standard deviation, sample representative.

Useful links

Standardised Scores 101

Standardisation for Cambridge Insight assessments

Guest

Andy Lyth, Statistician