In this episode of The School Run Podcast, Jane is joined by Heather Rhodes, founder of Highgrove Education, to explore one big question:

Is the education system really preparing young people for the future they’re stepping into?

Jane and Heather first met at the House of Lords, and this conversation continues that discussion — diving into online education, confidence, entrepreneurship, and why learning needs to become more flexible, human and future-focused.

Heather shares her journey from traditional education and Harrow School Online to founding an innovative online school supporting students across the UK and internationally. Together, they unpack:

• ​Why one-size-fits-all schooling no longer works
• ​How online education can increase independence, confidence and maturity
• ​What “flipped learning” really looks like (and why it works)
• ​The importance of choice, curiosity and ownership in learning
• ​Why business, financial literacy and entrepreneurship matter earlier
• ​How young people can build real social connection — even when learning online
• ​What confidence truly means (for introverts and extroverts)
• ​The skills children will need when many future jobs don’t yet exist

This episode is essential listening for:

• ​Parents questioning traditional schooling
• ​Educators and school leaders
• ​Anyone curious about online education or edtech
• ​Those passionate about raising confident, adaptable young people

As always, the conversation comes back to confidence, connection and finding your voice — values at the heart of Little Voices and everything this podcast stands for.

🎧 Listen now and join the conversation about what education could be.

Links: www.highgroveeducation.com

Heather’s email: heather.rhodes@highgroveeducation.com

School email: office@highgroveeducation.com

Podcasts for us are all about learning and sharing, of course free to listen to.

We have some small costs to cover so if you would like to buy us a virtual cup of tea /coffee when we are planning them out please click here https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theschoolrun

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Get In Touch: Of course, you can always get in touch with us (publicly or privately) on our socials \@‌theschoolrun_official / \@‌mrsjanejames on Instagram, or search and follow Jane James on Facebook. We'd love to hear your story - please get in touch with us directly at jane@littlevoices.org.uk

Links: For information on Jane’s company Little Voices head to http://www.littlevoices.org.uk⁠⁠

@littlevoiceslimited

You will often hear references to The Olive Jar to find out more follow @theolivejarcourse

www.theolivejar.online

‌

Disclaimer: All views expressed in this podcast are of the participants themselves. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this podcast is done at your own risk. We are just a mum and daughter, sharing their thoughts and chatting with guests that we really respect and sharing our personal stories and insights. Please seek professional advice if you need it.

This episode is edited by Mike Roberts of Making Digital Real

What if the thing you were told wasn’t practical became the thing that changed your life?

In this episode of The School Run Podcast, Jane sits down with Johann Rossiter, Principal of Little Voices North and East Leeds – but her story begins long before that.

From a quiet, reserved child with a love for piano, Johann shares her remarkable journey through school, university, teaching, and finally discovering her true calling as a franchisee and leader. They explore:

• ​ The role of music and drama in unlocking children’s confidence
• ​ Why Joanne left the classroom for self-employment
• ​ The myth that arts education is only for performers
• ​ How her passion for helping young people still drives everything she does
• ​ The importance of little voices having big futures

This is a powerful, inspiring listen for anyone who believes in the transformational power of the arts — whether you’re a parent, teacher, headteacher, or someone thinking of taking a leap into something new.

Johann is living proof that growth often begins when you step out of the classroom — and into your calling.

🔗 Follow Johann at:

Instagram: @littlevoicesneleeds

Website: www.littlevoices.org.uk/north-east-leeds

Podcasts for us are all about learning and sharing, of course free to listen to._

We have some small costs to cover so if you would like to buy us a virtual cup of tea /coffee when we are planning them out please click here …..www.buymeacoffee.com/theschoolrun

Get In Touch: Of course, you can always get in touch with us (publicly or privately) on our socials \@‌theschoolrun_official / \@‌mrsjanejames on Instagram, or search and follow Jane James on Facebook. We'd love to hear your story - please get in touch with us directly at Jane@littlevoices.org.uk

**Links: For information on Jane’s company Little Voices head to**

www.littlevoices.org.uk⁠⁠

@littlevoiceslimited

You will often hear references to The Olive Jar to find out more follow @theolivejarcourse

www.theolivejar.online

‌

**Disclaimer: All views expressed in this podcast are of the participants themselves. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this podcast is done at your own risk. We are just a mum and daughter, sharing their thoughts and chatting with guests that we really respect and sharing our personal stories and insights. Please seek professional advice if you need it.**

This episode is edited by Mike Roberts of www.vault.makingdigitalreal.co.uk

In this episode Jane chats with Cassie Bunton; teacher, performer and businesswoman - Principal of Little Voices East Hertfordshire.

We go through Cassie’s fabulous story so far what led her to performing arts, the experiences, influences and challenges along the way reflecting on:

✨ What school did (and didn’t) prepare us for

🎭 The power of performing arts to unlock confidence

👩‍🏫 Cassie’s journey from classroom to franchisee

🌱 How Little Voices helps children find their voice and thrive

❤️ Why connection, community and creativity matter more than ever

If you’re a parent, teacher, creative soul – or someone who just knows there’s more to life than exams and grades – this episode will hit home.

If you want to learn more about Cassie’s classes please visit

@littlevoiceseastherts

https://littlevoices.org.uk/east-hertfordshire

You can contact Cassie on

Cassie@littlevoices.org.uk

Podcasts for us are all about learning and sharing, of course free to listen to.

We have some small costs to cover so if you would like to buy us a virtual cup of tea /coffee when we are planning them out please click here ….. ⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theschoolrun⁠⁠

**Get In Touch: Of course, you can always get in touch with us (publicly or privately) on our socials @‌theschoolrun_official / @‌mrsjanejames on Instagram, or search and follow Jane James on Facebook. We'd love to hear your story - please get in touch with us directly at jane@littlevoices.org.uk

Links: For information on Jane’s company Little Voices head to ⁠⁠http://www.littlevoices.org.uk⁠⁠

@‌littlevoiceslimited

You will often hear references to The Olive Jar to find out more follow @theolivejarcourse

www.theolivejar.online

‌

Disclaimer: All views expressed in this podcast are of the participants themselves. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this podcast is done at your own risk. We are just a mum and daughter, sharing their thoughts and chatting with guests that we really respect and sharing our personal stories and insights. Please seek professional advice if you need it.

This episode is edited by Mike Roberts of ⁠Making Digital Real⁠