Edufuturists

Edufuturists #327 Flexible Learning for All with Hugh Viney

In this episode of the podcast, we get to chat Hugh Viney, the founder and CEO of Minerva Virtual Academy (MVA), winner of an award at Uprising 2025 and the fastest growing school in the UK. We explore the innovative approach of MVA, which offers a hybrid model of education designed to cater to students who do not thrive in traditional school settings. Hugh shares the founding story of MVA, the challenges faced by students in mainstream education, and the unique solutions MVA provides. The conversation digs into the importance of community, the barriers to happiness in education, and the future of schooling as a choice-driven landscape.Chapters00:00 Introduction01:25 Hugh Viney's Background and Minerva Virtual Academy04:18 The Need for Alternative Education Models11:13 Breaking Down Barriers to Learning15:39 The Impact of Hybrid Learning on Athletes19:44 Preparing for Life Beyond Sports22:30 Navigating Educational Challenges23:21 The Evolution of MVA25:05 Engagement and Recognition in Education27:27 Socialisation and Community Building in Online Learning30:44 Parental Perspectives and Systemic Challenges33:39 Future Directions36:58 Technological Innovations in Education39:15 The Human Element in Online LearningFind out more about MVA [https://www.minervavirtual.com/enrol?utm_term=minerva%20virtual%20academy&utm_campaign=Push+%7C+Brand%7C+Searc&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=3284848124&hsa_cam=21092081273&hsa_grp=183223137763&hsa_ad=768188955528&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=kwd-1272428922935&hsa_kw=minerva%20virtual%20academy&hsa_mt=e&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22872040745&gbraid=0AAAAAB1unbwT0GWP8Kx9VcFO1dd39W9I8&gclid=Cj0KCQiAjJTKBhCjARIsAIMC44_ng4e8S7N2dowpz-GoFXCVZOMYqSaIAqk1qE3Q9ZAR5qD-0QyX9tUaAqwCEALw_wcB]Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.Ben & Steve xChampioning those who are making the future of education a reality.Follow us on X [https://www.twitter.com/edufuturists]Follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/edufuturists/]Check out all about Edufuturists [https://www.edufuturists.com]Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?Get in touch [info@edufuturists.com]Get your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2026 [edufuturists.com/uprising26] CONTENT PARTNER AD: This episode is powered by Integrated Systems Europe, the must-attend event for educators, technologists, and institutional leaders seeking to shape the future of learning. From 3–6 February 2026, ISE returns to Barcelona, uniting the brightest minds and boldest ideas in the edtech industry. Join us and Push Beyond the possibilities that are transforming the classroom of tomorrow. Don’t just keep up with the industry - get ahead of it. Check out the website to find out more and join us for ISE 2026 in Push Beyond. Use our special code 'edufuturists' for free registration here [https://www.iseurope.org/welcome/unified-communications-education-tech?actioncode=edufuturists&utm_source=cd_Edufuturists&utm_medium=Hompage&utm_content=banner&utm_campaign=ise2026]

Edufuturists #326 Making Social Justice a Reality with Steve Rigby

In this episode of the podcast, we have the privilege of chatting with Steve Rigby, Chief Executive of the Rigby Group and philanthropist focused on making a difference in education. The Rigby Group employ more than 8000 people across Europe with a turnover of £4billion.We discuss the intersection of technology and education, the importance of social mobility, and the role of the Rigby Foundation in supporting disadvantaged students. The conversation also touches on the challenges of school attendance, the need for parental involvement, and the future of AI in education. Steve shares generously about the importance of leadership in schools, how to build strong culture and the necessity of adapting to new societal changes.Chapters00:00 Introductions01:19 Meet Steve Rigby - Philanthropist and Business Leader02:34 The Role of Technology in Education05:22 A Focus on Social Justice07:59 Inspiring Futures10:20 Addressing Attendance and Engagement Issues15:22 The Importance of Parental Involvement18:47 Leadership in Education21:26 The Future of AI in Education33:18 Navigating the Challenges of AI and ProductivityFind out more about the work of The Rigby Foundation [https://www.rigbyfoundation.org.uk/]CONTENT PARTNER AD: This episode is powered by Integrated Systems Europe, the must-attend event for educators, technologists, and institutional leaders seeking to shape the future of learning. From 3–6 February 2026, ISE returns to Barcelona, uniting the brightest minds and boldest ideas in the edtech industry. Join us and Push Beyond the possibilities that are transforming the classroom of tomorrow. Don’t just keep up with the industry - get ahead of it. Check out the website to find out more and join us for ISE 2026 in Push Beyond. Use our special code 'edufuturists' for free registration here [https://www.iseurope.org/welcome/unified-communications-education-tech?actioncode=edufuturists&utm_source=cd_Edufuturists&utm_medium=Hompage&utm_content=banner&utm_campaign=ise2026]Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.Ben & Steve xChampioning those who are making the future of education a reality.Follow us on X [https://www.twitter.com/edufuturists] Follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/edufuturists/]Check out all about Edufuturists [https://www.edufuturists.com]Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work? Get in touch [info@edufuturists.com]Get your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2026 [edufuturists.com/uprising26]

Edufuturists #325 New Year, Same Us Big Review Part 12

In this episode, we reflect back on what has been an incredible 2025 and do a review of the last 8 episodes. We look ahead to some exciting updates for 2026, including the launch of our first book and lots of community developments. Chapters 00:00 New Year Reflections and Podcast Overview 02:40 Insights and Themes from the Last 8 Episodes 05:34 Diverse Perspectives in Education 08:22 Gamification and Real-World Learning 11:15 Futures Readiness and AI in Education 13:57 Joy, Hope, and Mentoring in Education 16:35 AI Bias and Its Implications 19:31 Celebrating Achievements and Community Growth 22:25 Looking Ahead - Plans for 2026 Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you. Ben & Steve x Championing those who are making the future of education a reality. Follow us on X [https://www.twitter.com/edufuturists] Follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/edufuturists/] Check out all about Edufuturists [https://www.edufuturists.com] Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work? Get in touch [info@edufuturists.com] Get your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2026 [edufuturists.com/uprising26] CONTENT PARTNER AD: This episode is powered by Integrated Systems Europe, the must-attend event for educators, technologists, and institutional leaders seeking to shape the future of learning. From 3–6 February 2026, ISE returns to Barcelona, uniting the brightest minds and boldest ideas in the edtech industry. Join us and Push Beyond the possibilities that are transforming the classroom of tomorrow. Don’t just keep up with the industry - get ahead of it. Check out the website to find out more and join us for ISE 2026 in Push Beyond. Use our special code 'edufuturists' for free registration here [https://www.iseurope.org/welcome/unified-communications-education-tech?actioncode=edufuturists&utm_source=cd_Edufuturists&utm_medium=Hompage&utm_content=banner&utm_campaign=ise2026]

Edufuturists #324 Why Community Isn't Just Events with EJ Quinn

In this week's podcast episode, we are joined by EJ Quinn, Head of Community Development @ Hyve Group who organise Bett UK. We dig into the importance of community in education, the challenges educators face, and how Bett UK is evolving to meet the needs of its attendees. We discuss the significance of collaboration, the role of technology, and the necessity of preparation for educators attending the show. EJ shares insights on accessibility issues, the importance of creating tangible resources, and the future of education beyond just technology. The conversation wraps up with quick-fire questions that highlight the realities and myths in the education sector. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:57 EJ Quinn's Role and Passion for Community 02:47 Building Community at Bett 06:24 Collaboration with Educational Associations 07:45 Keeping Bett Current and Relevant 11:36 The Importance of Accessibility for Educators 14:32 Challenges for Educators Attending Events 17:09 Reaching Out to the Wider Community 20:24 Collaborative Opportunities in Education Events 27:23 Planning for Bett 2026: Tips and Insights 28:24 The Future of Education: Beyond Technology 32:46 Quickfire Questions Grab your free educator ticket for Bett UK 2026 [https://uk.bettshow.com/visitor-registration?utm_source=media_partner_edufuturists&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=partner_marketing] Connect with EJ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ej-quinn-3a958013/] Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you. Ben & Steve x Championing those who are making the future of education a reality. Follow us on X [https://www.twitter.com/edufuturists] Follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/edufuturists/] Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work? Get in touch [info@edufuturists.com] Join us at one of the stops on our UK Roadshow [edufuturists.com/roadshow] Get your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2026 [edufuturists.com/uprising26] CONTENT PARTNER AD: This episode is powered by Integrated Systems Europe, the must-attend event for educators, technologists, and institutional leaders seeking to shape the future of learning. From 3–6 February 2026, ISE returns to Barcelona, uniting the brightest minds and boldest ideas in the edtech industry. Join us and Push Beyond the possibilities that are transforming the classroom of tomorrow. Don’t just keep up with the industry - get ahead of it. Check out the website to find out more and join us for ISE 2026 in Push Beyond. Use our special code 'edufuturists' for free registration HERE [https://www.iseurope.org/welcome/unified-communications-education-tech?actioncode=edufuturists&utm_source=cd_Edufuturists&utm_medium=Hompage&utm_content=banner&utm_campaign=ise2026]

Edufuturists #323 Wolfpack Christmas Special

In this very special podcast episode, we are joined by members of the Edufuturists Wolfpack from across the UK, all in festive gear and cheer! We loved being joined in the studio by Dave Leonard, Tara Jones, Christine Mayers, Gaz Lewis, Louisa Rose and Naomi Toland. Poppy Lemar was also due to be with us but got struck down by the dreaded small-child-transmitted-end-of-term-itis. Hope you're feeling better soon, Poppy! We had loads of fun chatting all about our favourite teachers, funniest education moments, what we hope for in 2026 and why it's important to be part of a community. The hour flew by and we definitely could've gone on for hours! Thanks so much to these folks for joining us. Who knows, next year we might do an in-person Christmas special?! How good would that be - Corden, eat your heart out! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Christmas Special 01:10 Meet the Guests 03:06 Why We Love The Wolfpack Community 06:09 The Importance of Connection in Education 09:47 Radical Candour 11:40 Funny Stories from the Classroom 24:32 Teachers Who Made a Difference 26:47 The Impact of Inspirational Teachers 35:49 The Power of Connection in Education 45:03 Wishes for the Future of Education 51:22 Quickfire Questions Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you. Ben & Steve x Championing those who are making the future of education a reality. Connect with our awesome guests: Naomi Toland [https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomi-toland-826891186/ ] is a wellbeing specialist and founder of Soshi Emoshi. Dave Leonard [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-leonard-it/] is Director of IT at Watergrove Trust and multiple Edufuturists Award winner. Gaz Lewis [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaz-lewis-88252316a/] is Reference Program Manager at Google for Education. Tara Jones [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-jones-uk/] is the Director of Education for Greenhouse, winner of our Diversity & Inclusion Champion award in 2025. Christine Mayers [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-mayers-1647b7296/] is a former teacher and Head of Education & Training at Elementary Tech. Poppy Lemar [https://www.instagram.com/theteacherwithpinkhair/] is The Teacher with the Pink Hair, an EYFS specialist and education influencer Louisa Rose is CEO of youth mental health charity Beyond [http://www.wearebeyond.org.uk/] and the founder of Now and Beyond [https://nowandbeyond.org.uk/] – a pioneering digital platform relaunching in 2026 that bridges the gap in access between educators and mental health lesson materials. It's forward thinking, giving you access to the most engaging resources all in one place but most importantly - it's youth approved. Louisa is passionate about creating platforms that empower young people like Beyond's Youth Board [https://wearebeyond.org.uk/youth-board] to use their lived experiences to shape change. A former social media professional, Louisa reflects on the ways that addictive technology and persuasive design has come to intersect the lives of young people, and our own, with dramatic implications. A regular speaker on the subject, Louisa seeks to empower young people and grown ups with the tools they need to reclaim control of their digital habits. Follow us on X [https://www.twitter.com/edufuturists] Follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/edufuturists/] Join us at one of the stops on our UK Roadshow [edufuturists.com/roadshow] Get your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2026 [edufuturists.com/uprising26] CONTENT PARTNER AD: This episode is powered by Integrated Systems Europe, the must-attend event for educators, technologists, and institutional leaders seeking to shape the future of learning. From 3–6 February 2026, ISE returns to Barcelona, uniting the brightest minds and boldest ideas in the edtech industry. Join us and Push Beyond the possibilities that are transforming the classroom of tomorrow. Don’t just keep up with the industry - get ahead of it. Check out the website to find out more and join us for ISE 2026 in Push Beyond. Use our special code 'edufuturists' for free registration here [https://www.iseurope.org/welcome/unified-communications-education-tech?actioncode=edufuturists&utm_source=cd_Edufuturists&utm_medium=Hompage&utm_content=banner&utm_campaign=ise2026]