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Frank W Norris

@frankwnorris.bsky.social

278 followers 243 following 265 posts

Board member at InnovateHer and GAET. Co-leader of Educ Leaders at Forum Strategy. Former Education & skills adviser to Northern Powerhouse Partnership. senior HMI, CEO of Coop Academies Trust and independent chair of Blackpool Improvement Board and PEIA.

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Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Only one guest has appeared three times in one year on the Frank and Stan Chat. Dame Kathy August is the exception. If you fancy knowing more about teacher retention, the impact of PM speech on education and managing as a leader dribs retracting finances then here is the link youtu.be/JD2qhVMNM3I

Frank and Stan Chat No. 295: The Dame Kathy August Edition

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Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

2nd Live Frank and Stan Chat took place at Lacey Green Primary School last week. We had around 35 senior leaders in attendance. We discussed randomly selected questions submitted by delegates. Some of them joined us in answering them. Great fun that led to fascinating insights. youtu.be/OLA1bfQrBqo

Frank and Stan Chat Live 2

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Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Always a pleasure to have former great guests back on the Frank and Stan Chat. Mel McMorrow is joined by Sarah Highfield as they explain how their new tutoring service works. Stan gets into AI and Frank reflects on the writing of Christian Schiller. youtu.be/QNMpsNR9xN8

Frank and Stan Chat No. 294: The Mel McMorrow and Sarah Highfield (Be Inspired Education) Edition

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Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

youtu.be/jX9UGLF2neg It’s great having Mark Phillips back on the Frank and Stan Chat. We often discuss the current state of the arts in our schools, but it makes such a difference when we are joined by a colleague who has committed his working life to music. We also discuss growing up in the 70s.

Frank and Stan Chat No. 293: The Mark Phillips Returns Edition

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Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

If you prefer the weekly @FrankStanChat as a podcast you can download now the fantastic and far reaching chat with Prof Mick Waters here shows.acast.com/frank-and-st...

shows.acast.com

Frank and Stan Chats

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Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

This week's Frank and Stan Chat that covers education and leadership with Prof Mick Waters is just great and needs a decent audience. It covers lack of progress in maths at KS3, The Open School movement and seven signs of ethical collapse. youtu.be/c31gqVNMygI

Frank and Stan Chat No.292: The Prof Mick Waters Edition

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Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Now into its 7th academic year, the Frank and Chat covers Education and leadership issues. Every September, we reflect on the recent examination season in England and draw on the expertise of Dennis Sherwood, author of ‘Missing the Mark’. The system does not improve, sadly youtu.be/4robOtQCSYs

Frank and Stan Chat No. 291: The Dennis Sherwood 'Missing the Mark' Returns Edition

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Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

A mid-summer break of the Frank and Stan Chat brings thoughts about the new drive for technical and vocational education as well as fascinating chat with dame Kathy August and Tom Clark CBE about their new book Voices from the Education Vanguard. Well worth reading. youtu.be/4suop-zPeEs

Frank and Stan Chat No. 290 Voices from the Education Vanguard Edition: Kathy August + Tom Clark

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Adrian Lyons @adrianlyons.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

The crank candidate for the Clacton by-election is proposing a war with France and getting media coverage for it. Surely Count Binface deserves equal air time.

Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

Prof Colin Richards has written to The Observer. I wasn’t aware of the family connection with teaching within the Burnham family. thealternativebiglisten.co.uk/f/colin-has-...

thealternativebiglisten.co.uk

Colin has written to The Observer

I don’t know whether to be pleased or disappointed in the Observer’s two-page coverage “Rethinking our future” (“How Burnham can put the bulldog back into Britain”, Forum last week). There were some v...

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Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

The joy of our chats lies in our amazing guests. This week is no exception. We’re joined by former HMI, Maths subject lead and specialist adviser, Steve Wren. He focuses on the problems around attendance and behaviour. Stan covers compliance and Frank rants about parking. youtu.be/g4cNXyadtbw

Frank and Stan Chat No. 259: The Steve Wren Edition

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Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

This 30th SPOTLIGHT edition is with Sian Hampton and Alice Gregson. They have created a System Leadership programme that is focused on a range of partners delivering services for children and families. The chat considers what has gone before and what’s currently being attempted youtu.be/MyU_Z12AYg8

Frank and Stan Spotlight No. 30: The System Leadership edition with Sian Hampton OBE + Alice Gregson

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Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Great to chat with John Malynn, former DfE civil servant resp for accountability incl Ofsted who then went to Ofsted as a policy adviser. He knows better than most how the relationship works. We cover school holidays, timing of DfE announcements and provision and outcomes. youtu.be/rE2vB9w6pz0

Frank and Stan No.258: The John Malynn Returns Again Edition

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Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Great pleasure chatting to Jill Munday today about her work in Nepal supporting a village school. What comes across is how she is using her extensive experience to help children in great need and using her teaching skills to support without dictating. Context always important. youtu.be/LX__yTuXr-Q

Frank and Stan Chat Spotlight No.29: The Malagiri School in Nepal with Jill Munday

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Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

The latest Frank and Stan Chat is now live. It’s all about communication including social media, managing complaints and being proactive. Dave Smith is the guest. He’s a former longstanding Press Officer for the Coop. youtu.be/E9NkQtmrEJg

Frank and Stan Chat No. 257: The Dave Smith Communication Edition

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Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

youtu.be/LqTYyMIL6OY The half-term break is upon us, and it is time for a little relaxation (I hope), so why not settle down and watch the recent Frank and Stan Chat with Aelwyn Pugh as the guest. Can we learn from others in how to manage complaints? How serious are schools about enrichment? Enjoy.

Frank and Stan Chat No. 256: The Aelwyn Pugh Returns for the 4th time Edition

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Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

youtu.be/LqTYyMIL6OY The half-term break is upon us, and it is time for a little relaxation (I hope), so why not settle down and watch the recent Frank and Stan Chat with Aelwyn Pugh as the guest. Can we learn from others in how to manage complaints? How serious are schools about enrichment? Enjoy.

Frank and Stan Chat No. 256: The Aelwyn Pugh Returns for the 4th time Edition

YouTube video by Frank and Stan Chat

Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

The Alternative Big Consultation last year made clear what the profession wanted for the future of school inspections. Based on hundreds of responses it all came down to a very different relationship between Ofsted and schools. LET’S 'IMAGINE' thealternativebiglisten.co.uk/f/let%E2%80%...

thealternativebiglisten.co.uk

LET’S IMAGINE (with thanks to John Lennon)

Colin Richards and Frank Norris

Reposted by Frank W Norris

Adrian Lyons @adrianlyons.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

I’m one of the four!

Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

youtu.be/e3E7WK33ykE Want to know how an inspection went in central London earlier this year and how Ofsted responded? It’s not a pretty picture. May not be indicative of all inspections but when they go wrong the consequences are serious and deeply troubling.

Four former HMI and an experienced Executive Headteacher discuss a troubling Ofsted inspection.

YouTube video by Frank and Stan Chat

Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

youtu.be/6I8iPCwI5iA Frank and Stan Chat No. 255 is with Alice Gregson, of Elevating Leadership. Chat covers effective transition and how schools can improve, the current political discourse and potential impact on education, and what happens when followers lose confidence in their leader.

Frank and Stan Chat No. 255: The Alice Gregson 'Elevating Leadership' Edition

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Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

This week’s Frank and Stan Chat is with Malcolm Greenhalgh. A former Primary teacher and latterly the leader of one of the largest school inspection contractors he puts forward an idea he calls ‘Inclusive Flexibility’. It’s bold and driven by equity.We discuss the implications. youtu.be/7Z0kfL5nGWo

Frank and Stan Chat SPOTLIGHT No. 28: The Malcolm Greenhalgh Curriculum Reform Edition

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Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

youtu.be/hw4aGZs10lY Fantastic to have two eminent, respected leaders rejoin our chat. Neil Jurd + Glyn Potts have developed a leadership programme that’s fully accredited, punchy, involves all senior leaders and completed over two days with work in between. A really relaxed chat. Give it a try.

Frank and Stan Chat SPOTLIGHT No.27 with Glyn Potts + Neil Jurd: The Leadership Development Edition

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Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

This week’s Frank and Stan Chat is a SPOTLIGHT edition with Josh Mangas, an expert on effective governance. Josh discusses a new free product he has developed, which supports governing bodies and trust boards in education. youtu.be/K3eMbTBI2Qk

Frank and Stan Chat No. 26: The Effective Governance Standards Edition with Josh Mangas

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Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

This week we are joined by Joe Pardoe on the Frank and Stan Chat. We cover Joe’s varied career to date, as well as Rise Advisers and the distance travelled. Primary Phase admissions and the appointment of a Director to create a MAT/SAT inspection Fwk. youtu.be/0v739FlgT64

Frank and Stan Chat No. 254: The Joe Pardoe Edition

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Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

With the DfE currently engaged in a consultation on KS 4 performance indicators, Rebecca Hanson FCCT joined Frank and Stan Chat to chat about her analysis of the current Atrtainment 8 measure and how context is sadly lacking. Rebecca and Frank delve into her analysis. youtu.be/yzi2uQ859XU

Frank and Stan Chat SPOTLIGHT No. 25: The Rebecca Hanson critique on Attainment 8

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Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

Ive joined forces with some academics to create a way for schools and their staff to tell us of their recent Ofsted insp experiences. Prof Tymms has produced a video analysing whether the inspections do take into account the context of the school. thealternativebiglisten.co.uk/f/monitoring...

thealternativebiglisten.co.uk

Monitoring Ofsted inspections and do they really cover context?

Prof Colin Richards and Frank Norris, co-founders of the Alternative BIg Listen and the Alternative Big Consultation have joined forces with Prof Peter Tymms and Prof Frank Coffield to create a mechan...

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Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

youtu.be/_wevcvU69oo This week’s Frank and Stan Chat covers Martin’s Law, an FOI response explaining the criteria used by the DFE to judge strong exam results (worrying), views on Inclusion Hubs and thoughts on the price of some school uniforms. Alan Braven and Anthony Benedict are stunning guests.

Frank and Stan Chat No. 253: The Alan Braven and Anthony Benedict Return Edition

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Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

How much do you know about the non-association independent school sector? Did you know that two colleagues have created an association to help bring the sector closer together? Well, latest Frank and Stan Chat covers these issues and much more. youtu.be/DLVAw9zgwuE

Frank and Stan Chat SPOTLIGHT No. 24: The NAISA Edition with Ellen Muwewa and Michelle Baker

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Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

It is none sense cos he has said you can’t compare the Frameworks. There is a football chant that springs to mind.

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Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

Post now corrected.

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Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

Frank and Stan Chat No. 252 with Cathal Lynch is now available. We discuss transparency and openness (or not) of academy trusts and some recent research into the different leadership approaches for successfully developing schools in poor and wealthy areas. youtu.be/JCG0vZVTV_I

Frank and Stan Chat No. 252: The Cathal Lynch Returns Edition

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Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

Apologies. I will amend.

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Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

youtu.be/SGM4i3M-oM4 Rebecca Leek, author, poet, podcaster, former headteacher of three schools and a fascinating colleague, joins the Frank and Stan Chat to discuss the recent White Paper and a host of other education and leadership issues.

Frank and Stan Chat No. 251: The Rebecca Leek Returns Edition

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Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

Latest SPOTLIGHT edition of the Frank and Stan Chat covers the book ‘You’ve got me today’ by Mel McMorrow and Andy Buck. It’s not just a great book for supply teachers and cover supervisors but should be essential reading for every teacher. Practical and realistic advice. youtu.be/sfBLf0cbIyc

Frank and Stan Chat SPOTLIGHT No. 23: 'You've got me today' edition with Mel McMorrow and Andy Buck

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Adrian Bethune @adrianbethune.bsky.social · 22/02/2026

I really enjoyed having a chat with Frank and Stan. Have a listen below 👂

Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 21/02/2026

youtu.be/mT-IaXhMK3A Another Frank and Stan Chat SPOTLIGHT Edition, and this time they venture into evidence gathering and evaluation with Steve Kirkpatrick. Steve, a former Headteacher, has developed a digital application that brings a school’s evidence base together. Enjoy

Frank and Stan Chat SPOTLIGHT No. 22: The Intelligent Evidence Edition

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Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

Frank and Stan Chat SPOTLIGHT edition focuses on education and/or leadership issues. The 21st edition with Tom Zebedee and Noeleen Schenk covers more on cyber security for schools and trusts, but also the need for secure and careful file retention to benefit from AI technology. youtu.be/88WuhwrzUOY

Frank and Stan Chat SPOTLIGHT No. 21 with Tom Zebedee and Noeleen Schenk

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Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 08/02/2026

Who would have thought we would reach edition 250 when we started the Frank and Stan Chat way back in May 2020. The education and leadership chat has covered a lot since then. We were delighted when Paul Ainsworth emerged as a guest for that edition. Reflections and insight. youtu.be/SbzYrOvuB-s

Frank and Stan Chat: The 250th edition with Paul Ainsworth

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Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 02/02/2026

The 249th edition of the Frank and Stan Chat with CEO Richard Ronksley is now available. We cover why it’s not a good idea to burn an 18th Century book, why some Post 16 providers are effective, how inspirational Ken Robinson was + why Paul Garvey’s latest book is worth reading. youtu.be/2bTaCbWRSx4

Frank and Stan Chat No. 249: The Riichard Ronksley Edition

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Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 21/01/2026

Why is England not particularly successful in addressing equity and inclusion? Isn’t it about time we considered the opinions of those who have been considering these issues for 30 or more years? Latest Frank and Stan Chat does this with a SPOTLIGHT chat with Prof Mel Ainscow. youtu.be/GfOb0Vt3w6I

Frank and Stan Chat SPOTLIGHT No. 20 with Prof Mel Ainscow 'The Inclusion and equity edition'

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Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 19/01/2026

Frank and Stan Chat delighted to have @laura-mcphee.bsky.social as their weekly guest. We consider DfE guidance on violence against women and girls, the way some citizens are digitally excluded, why banning mobile phones might be wrong and why the north needs better railways. youtu.be/Ppd5wdgLQOE

Frank and Stan Chat No. 248: The Laura McPhee Edition

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Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

Just seen 'Singing in the Rain' at The Royal Exchange @rxtheatre.bsky.social in Manchester. Absolutely top quality. Standing ovation and fully deserved. More, more, more.

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Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

The amazing @adrianbethune.bsky.social was a guest on this week’s Frank and Stan Chat. He makes leadership decisions and priorities very straightforward. He has a realistic approach to pupil and staff wellbeing. Find out for your self here www.youtube.com/watch?v=Isdc...

Frank and Stan Chat No. 247: The Adrian Bethune 'Wellbeing' Edition

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Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 10/01/2026

First Frank and Stan Chat of 2026 is one of the best. We were fortunate to have @KathyAugustDBE as a guest and we covered 'survivor bias', the govt's early plans for MAT inspections and a quote from Neil Jurd about 'false leadership'. A real privilege. youtu.be/NNbOIuFJK1o

Frank and Stan Chat: The Dame Kathy August Edition

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Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 04/01/2026

The final Frank and Stan Chat of 2025 took place in the week leading up to Christmas with Jan Allen. A former secondary school HT, Jan now works in Gt Manchester area supporting charities and govt in addressing social disadvantage. An uplifting chat. youtu.be/XysnGY13zEI

Frank and Stan Chat No. 245: The Jan Allen Edition

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Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 22/12/2025

Festive greetings from the Frank and Stan Chat. We have one episode to upload before we close down for the Christmas break. We are back on 5 January with our review of the 2025 editions.

Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 12/12/2025

Always a joy to have Eric Craven 'The Scouse Poet' back as a guest on the Frank and Stan Chat. His fifth visit includes four of his poems as well as one from Stan. It isn't all poetry, cos we cover some topical education and leadership issues. Enjoy. youtu.be/XeI4yqNvj_Q

Frank and Stan Chat No. 244: The Eric Craven 'The Scouse Poet' Returns for his fifth guest slot

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Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 12/12/2025

Did Ofsted model the likely grade profile and inform DfE?

Frank W Norris @frankwnorris.bsky.social · 11/12/2025

Sometimes the small note of gratitude makes all the difference. Thank you @innovateher.bsky.social for all of the amazing work you do to encourage more female students to follow a career in STEM and specifically digital. Reaching 100k students is an amazing milestone. Now for the next 100k.

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