LO: To know what happens on the staff night out, stays on the night out unless you’re sharing it anonymously on the pod!

2026-07-23

Download

This week, the lads wrap up the final full episode of the school year by reflecting on another academic year in education, thanking listeners for their support and debating the annual calls to shorten the six week summer holidays. They discuss why children and staff desperately need the break, the pressures on working parents and why better holiday provision, rather than less time off, is the real answer. There's a passionate discussion about Ofsted after schools are still being inspected during the final week of term....

There's a passionate discussion about Ofsted after schools are still being inspected during the final week of term. Lee shares his frustrations with the inspection system, why he believes it continues to drive teachers out of the profession and explains why meaningful reform will only happen if the culture around inspection changes completely.

The conversation also turns to politics following Bridget Phillipson's departure as Education Secretary. Lee reflects on interviewing her at the Department for Education, responds to criticism he received online and explains the balancing act between holding decision makers to account while still being able to keep teachers' voices in the room.

The lads can't avoid reliving England's heartbreaking World Cup exit either. They analyse where it all went wrong against Argentina, question Thomas Tuchel's tactics, reflect on the emotional rollercoaster of tournament football and discuss the darker side of the game, including the rise in domestic abuse following England defeats.

Away from football, Lee shares some proud family news after attending his children's end of year awards, including one of the triplets being appointed Head Girl. The blind ranking also returns for one last time this season, with the pair deciding the perfect ways for teachers to spend their summer holidays.

Finally, the listener stories provide the perfect end to another school year. There are hilarious tales of bizarre hospital visits, unforgettable end of year gifts, awkward staff celebrations and chaotic nights out featuring everything from giant bags of Hula Hoops and Yorkshire puddings to skinny dipping, karaoke disasters, nightclub encounters with parents and enough staff party confessions to remind everyone why schools are never short of unbelievable stories.

📬 Want your story or question featured on the pod? Submit it here:

👉 forms.gle/sWCUVURZjtn6GeN16

Here’s where you can catch the show 👇

🎭 October 2026

25th October - Norwich, Epic Studios 🏰

26th October - London, Soho Walthamstow 🎤

27th October - Tunbridge Wells, Assembly Hall Theatre 🌳

28th October - Eastbourne, Devonshire Park 🌊

29th October - Colchester, Charter Hall 🏺

30th October - Southampton, O2 Guildhall ⚓

31st October - High Wycombe, Swan 🎶

🎭 February 2027