S03E07 - Jeanette Breen on lessons learnt from high-performing schools

2025-04-27

In this episode, I’m joined by Jeanette Breen — Learning Specialist at Templestowe Heights Primary School and Head of Global Partnerships at No More Marking — to unpack insights from her recent tour of some of the highest-performing schools across the UK. From standalone primaries to schools within trusts like Ark Academy, and even the renowned Michaela Community School, where she met Katharine Birbalsingh, Jeanette explored what’s making a real impact in classrooms and leadership teams. What makes this conversation truly unique is not just Jeanette’s sharp eye for what works — it’s that you’ll also hear directly from the educators she met along the way, thanks to recordings made on-site during her journey. You’ll hear from: Andrew Percival and Jess Rennie - Stanley Road Primary School, Oldham Madeleine Roberts, David Williams, Jonathan Howlett and Ellen Clarke - Ark Curriculum team

What makes this conversation truly unique is not just Jeanette’s sharp eye for what works — it’s that you’ll also hear directly from the educators she met along the way, thanks to recordings made on-site during her journey. You’ll hear from:

Andrew Percival and Jess Rennie - Stanley Road Primary School, Oldham
Madeleine Roberts, David Williams, Jonathan Howlett and Ellen Clarke - Ark Curriculum team
Matt Burnage - Ark Soane
Claire Stoneman - 4 Dwellings Academy, Birmingham
Michael Eggleton - Charles Dickens Primary
Stuart Houghton - Ribbon Academy, Murton
Dr Haili Hughes - Professor of teacher coaching & mentoring, Academica University oas, Director of Education, IRIS Connect. ECF & NPQ facilitator
Bruno Reddy - CEO Times Tables Rock Stars and former head of Mathematics at King Solomon Academy

If you're looking to sharpen your teaching, rethink your curriculum, or get inspired by what’s working in leading schools abroad, this episode is packed with gold.

Resources mentioned:

Daisy Christodoulou - Seven myths in education and Making good progress
The Rose report
StepLab
Teach Like A Champion
New wave maths books
The Writing Revolution
TimesTable Rockstars
Grattan report on multi-school organisations
Think Forward Educators
Core knowledge units
Numeracy screener being trialed by the Center for Independent Studies (CIS)
White Rose Maths
What Works Series
ResearchED
No More Marking

You can connect with Jeanette:

X/Twitter: @jettybe3

e-mail: jeanette.breen@education.vic.gov.au or jeanette@nomoremarking.com

You can connect with Brendan:

X/Twitter: @learnwithmrlee

Linkedin: @brendan-lee-kft

Facebook: @learningwithmrlee

Website learnwithlee.net

Substack: knowledgeforteachers.substack.com/

Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:

https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast

About Jeanette Breen

Jeanette is an experienced teacher, presenter, and liaison for the creation of partnerships and professional learning opportunities. In addition to her school-based role at Templestowe Heights PS Victoria, Jeanette works with UK company No More Marking as the bridge for schools using innovative writing assessment. She leads a Writing Network with Think Forward Educators and is a founding member of Sharing Best Practice. Jeanette holds a
Professional Certificate in Clinical Teaching and Masters in Instructional Leadership.

Becoming a Better Maths Teacher: Craig Barton’s Aussie Tour with Ollie Lovell

For the first time ever, the UK’s most celebrated mathematics teacher, podcaster, and author, Craig Barton, is coming to Australia for a nationwide tour. Craig will be joined by Australia’s own Ollie Lovell for an unforgettable day of professional learning designed to transform your teaching practice.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative event! Four dates, four cities: