Joining the Dots

🎙️ Joining the Dots: Challenging the Rhetoric of AI in Education with Bianca Farthing 

In this thought-provoking episode of Joining the Dots, Al and Matt are joined by Bianca, founder of AI Edify, history teacher, and digital leader — to explore how education can rise above the hype of AI and technology to truly serve learners.

Together, they dive into: ✨ Why education must prioritise ethics, safeguarding, and humanity over effici...

In this thought-provoking episode of Joining the Dots, Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop are joined by global education innovator and learner-centred strategist Carla Aerts. With decades of experience in EdTech, AI, and digital learning, Carla brings a passionate, challenging, and compassionate lens to the big question: what is education really for?

🧠 From soft skills (or rather, “power skills”) to digital equity, learner agency, neurop...

🎙️ Joining the Dots – Episode: Bridging Business, Education & Innovation with Naomi Timperley Hosts: Al Kingsley & Matt Jessop | Guest: Naomi Timperley

In this energising episode, Al and Matt are joined by powerhouse Naomi Timperley—innovation consultant, tech community builder, and passionate advocate for youth and entrepreneurship. Naomi shares her inspiring journey across the UK’s tech and education ecosystems, from lau...

In this lively and thoughtful episode, Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop are joined by educator and co-founder of Natterhub, Caroline Allams. Together, they dive into the evolving challenges and opportunities in education, especially around digital safety, parental engagement, and the impact of technology on both learning and wellbeing. Caroline shares her journey from early years teaching to EdTech entrepreneurship, and the trio explore...

In this episode, Matt Jessop and Al Kingsley sit down with Hugh Viney, founder and CEO of Minerva’s Virtual Academy (MVA) — one of the UK’s fastest-growing online schools. From launching with just four students in 2021 to educating over 1,100 full-time learners globally, Hugh shares MVA’s unique hybrid model blending 60% asynchronous and 40% synchronous learning.

💡 Topics include:

• The founding vision of MVA and its rapid gro...

In this episode of Joining the Dots, Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop sit down with Paul Glossop from the University of Derby to explore the growing cracks in our education system, especially around attendance, SEND provision, and the rigidity of traditional pathways. From rising parental disillusionment to the potential of online schools, they tackle big questions about relevance, access, and the future of learning. Together, they exam...

Rethinking the Purpose of Education 

In this episode of the Joining the Dots podcast, Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop sit down with the legendary Professor Mick Waters—renowned curriculum expert and co-author of About Our Schools—to ask the big questions shaping education today.

💡 What is the true purpose of schooling in the 21st century? 📉 Are PISA rankings driving the wrong kinds of change? ⚖️ How can we restore agency to teachers—...

In this thought-provoking episode of the "Joining the Dots" podcast,  hosts Matt Jessop and Al Kingsley chat with Dr. Nick Jackson, AI expert and co-author of "The Next Words: AI and Teachers." Diving into the dynamic intersection of artificial intelligence and education, Nick challenges us to move beyond the superficial integration of AI, urging educators to fundamentally reconsider the very essence and purpose of education.

The d...

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 expla...

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, compu...

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:

• T...

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 ...

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 de...

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 dig...

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 insigh...

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 curre...

A great inaugural episode of the "Joining the Dots" podcast with the lovely Dan Fitzpatrick. We talk about education perspectives around the world, the role AI has taken in accelerating discussions around the broader education landscape, its potential for positive impact, and perspectives, as well as a broad look at what the future of education could look like. Dan also shares some insights from his upcoming book, Infinite Educatio...