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John Cosgrove

@johncosgrove.bsky.social
1.3K followers 1.2K following 678 posts

Husband, father, grandfather, writer and retired teacher. I blog at johncosgrove55.wordpress.com Visit my Amazon Author page here: www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B001…

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John Cosgrove @johncosgrove.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
The Times has published another article dishonouring Ruth Perry's memory. Let's not forget that before Ruth the deaths of 10 other heads were linked to Ofsted, and only Julia Waters' courage allows us to hope positive change may come from awful tragedy. johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/2023/06/02/c...
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com
Courage Deserves a Hearing
Warning: this article discusses suicide Carol Woodward was a headteacher for 19 years and a good one: she had been named regional “Headteacher of the Year.” Then, in 2015, inspectors decided that h…
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John Cosgrove @johncosgrove.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Latest blog: "So, taking stock... where do we go from here? First, Ofsted needs proper reform... Second, we need to dismantle the ruinous MAT system... when a MAT fails, for any reason at all, its schools should revert to LA control." johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/2026/09/20/t...
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com
Time To Take Stock
1 million young people not in Education, employment or training (NEET); unprecedented numbers of pupils excluded from school, educated at home and in alternative provision (AP); a Special Needs sys…
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Fabian Education Policy Group @edufabians.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Really looking forward to hearing from Ian Widdows on the problems with High-Stakes Accountability at our next FEPG meeting on Monday 28th September 7.00pm-8.30pm. More details below @michaelrosenyes.bsky.social @brianhudson.bsky.social
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HGJohn @hgjohn.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Spot on! My wife’s school got oranges for curriculum and leadership despite every single category of SEN outperforming their peers nationally. Trouble is there are so many with SEN that overall results are low. The system doesn’t recognise their success.
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John Cosgrove @johncosgrove.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
NEW BLOG The Confederation of School Trusts recently published a report claiming schools in MATs are (on average) better than others. It says it's "time to take stock" and decide where we're going with our school system. I agree - with that bit anyway... johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/2026/09/20/t...
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com
Time To Take Stock
1 million young people not in Education, employment or training (NEET); numbers of young people excluded from school, educated at home and in alternative provision (AP) reaching levels not seen sin…
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Sarah Johnson (was Dove) @phoenixedsarah.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
A great evening launching Questions on behaviour, an amazing panel and discussion! Nab the book here www.routledge.com/Questions-on...
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John Cosgrove @johncosgrove.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Is this really who they think we are? Is it really what they think schools are for? I particularly like the bit where schools will be required to "recite" hymns daily. Later in the article it says there will be "no exceptions." (From Schools Week)
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John Cosgrove @johncosgrove.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
For many English schools we are at the brink of a new term, a new school year, so it's time to repost this, in the sincere hope that this year can be different. Please, schools, don't send children home (or to isolation) for wearing "wrong" clothes. johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/2023/09/02/a...
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com
A Uniform Approach
Like cakes on birthdays, fairy lights at Christmas and Halloween’s Trick or Treat, traditions have attached themselves to back to school week in the UK. First is the “uniform photo” with children i…
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John Cosgrove @johncosgrove.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
Not a great look when the local newspaper misspells the local MP's name 9 times in a single article and spells it correctly once. She's called Kirkham, not Kirkman. @jaynekirkhammp.bsky.social www.falmouthpacket.co.uk/news/2648635...
falmouthpacket.co.uk
Falmouth MP calls for 'environmentally safe' dredging despite concerns over modelling
Jayne Kirkman MP has revealed that she has concerns about the environmental modelling behind the proposed dredging as part of the Falmouth Docks…
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John Cosgrove @johncosgrove.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Below, from The Guardian, a graphic shows the 12 most popular A level subjects, 2026. There's no modern foreign language in this top 12. 34,128 students took Geography, 12th on the list; 6,888 took French; no other MFL had more than 2,000 entries. Shouldn't we be a tad concerned?
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John Cosgrove @johncosgrove.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Some further thoughts on the Athena Multi Academy Trust and the recent Panorama programme which nobody seems to have mentioned yet... A short 🧵 1. The improved exam results noted by Panorama were linked specifically to Launceston, not to the secondaries in the MAT as a whole. ...continues
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John Cosgrove @johncosgrove.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
c 1965, Junior 3, Miss Swan's class, a dramatised Odyssey on BBC schools' radio. I have not read the story since but last night saw the new film and was delighted by how closely it matched my memory. Beowulf, Achilles, Horatius on the bridge, Leif Ericsson, Troy.. The BBC gave us cultural history.
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John Cosgrove @johncosgrove.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
The sad loss of Kevin Keegan reminds me of what I consider one of the great education quotes of all time. The head of his primary school (Sister Mary Oliver, a nun) noted too much football was harming Kevin's academic work. Nevertheless, she insisted, "the football is to be encouraged."
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John Cosgrove @johncosgrove.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
From today's edition of PM came words I never imagined I would ever hear on Radio 4. Asked about Andy Burnham's pledge to end rough sleeping, the correspondent referred to the role played in our new Prime Minister's thinking by "Catholic Social Teaching."
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John Cosgrove @johncosgrove.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
There's an article in the Express about funding for PE. In it, a Tory Shadow Minister laments cuts to the Sports Premium and claims these will cost us future soccer stars. He clearly has no idea how our elite footballers are nurtured and developed. johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/2024/07/14/w...
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com
Can The “System” Bring Football Home…?
…and what are the lessons for education if it does? Or if it doesn’t? To coincide with this summer’s World Cup, the BBC broadcast a new adaptation of ‘Dear England,’ J…
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John Cosgrove @johncosgrove.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Is the Tide Turning? Short 🧵 The Academy Trust I wrote about in February 2025 (below) will be disbanded, it has been announced. To my knowledge, no MAT has previously been wound up over too strict behaviour policies. johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/2025/02/23/t...
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com
THE ROGUE MAT
Three schools were responsible for almost half the exclusions of secondary aged pupils across Cornwall according to the most recent Government figures. In the Autumn term of 2023-24, Camborne Scien…
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John Cosgrove @johncosgrove.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Is there a walk anywhere in England with more stunning views than the coast path from Loe Bar to Gunwalloe? We refreshed ourselves in the Halzephron Inn whose name, "Cliffs of Hell" in Cornish, comes from the many wrecks near here, but the cliffs didn't look particularly hellish today.
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John Cosgrove @johncosgrove.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
So, as we officially enter the silly season, we can all be grateful to Nigel for sacrificing himself as the nation's laughing stock: the perfect foil for the latest tilt at The Establishment by the people's champion, Count Binface.
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John Cosgrove @johncosgrove.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
In his resignation video, Nigel Farage says he's done nothing wrong. "Why should I be judged by Sky News and their ilk?" But it's not Sky News, it's the judgement of the Parliamentary Standards Watchdog he's trying to pre-empt. This is all very odd, if he really has done nothing wrong.
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John Cosgrove @johncosgrove.bsky.social · 05/07/2026
As we build up to tomorrow's big match, perhaps take a break from the endless punditry to think about how those élite footballers were nurtured and developed. If it works, could it be a pattern for other professions? (2024 Blog post largely re-written.) johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/2024/07/14/w...
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com
Can The “System” Bring Football Home…?
…and what are the lessons for education if it does? Or if it doesn’t? To coincide with this summer’s World Cup, the BBC broadcast a new adaptation of ‘Dear England,’ J…
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John Cosgrove @johncosgrove.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
Key Stage 2 SATs in chaos; Monday likely a washout; 3 weeks still to go for local schools; the thermometer climbing again; you can almost feel potential conflict building... Without wishing to sound smug, today seemed a very good day for a former head to be retired.
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John Cosgrove @johncosgrove.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Seeking success, England's elite footballers are nurtured in a ruthless system, which has changed radically in recent times. Will it succeed against DRC today? And are there lessons for schools and Education more broadly? (Blog recycled from 2024) johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/2024/07/14/w...
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com
Can The “System” Bring Football Home…?
…and what are the lessons for education if it does? Or if it doesn’t? To coincide with this summer’s World Cup, the BBC broadcast a new adaptation of ‘Dear England,’ J…
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John Cosgrove @johncosgrove.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Please, everyone interested in teaching, young people or schools, listen to this. Listen and weep, and please, please, let's return to every school putting the interests of children first. www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
bbc.co.uk
File on 4 Investigates - Strict schools: Taking discipline too far? - BBC Sounds
Are some schools are taking strict discipline too far?
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John Cosgrove @johncosgrove.bsky.social · 28/06/2026
The World Cup shows off the results of England's academy system of football development. Does it work? And if it does, should we nurture future politicians, business leaders, scientists, artists... in the same way? (Blog recycled from 2024.) johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/2024/07/14/w...
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com
Can The “System” Bring Football Home…?
…and what are the lessons for education if it does? Or if it doesn’t? To coincide with this summer’s World Cup, the BBC broadcast a new adaptation of ‘Dear England,’ J…
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Farrukh @implausibleblog.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Marina Purkiss, "Nigel Farage said 'up the Ra' for £86, What do you think he's willing to do for £5,000,000?
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John Cosgrove @johncosgrove.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
This morning, I walked into town. On the way I was greeted by 5 people who wanted to talk about the heat. Beating 4 snow themed chats in 2011, this is the largest number of weather related conversations I have had on a 10 minute walk since records began.
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John Cosgrove @johncosgrove.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
After a lot of thought, Neville has managed to adapt his daily routine to the extreme heat.
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John Cosgrove @johncosgrove.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
There's an interesting article by @moremorrow.bsky.social in Schools Week about how the now inevitable Labour leadership contest might affect Education. I agree with much of what Dan writes, but where he sees threat, I sense opportunity. My take is here: johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/2026/06/19/n...
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com
Napoleon Burnham v Louis Starmer
I see Keir Starmer this weekend like Louis XVIII, just returned from an International summit, waiting with his advisers and watching to see if Napoleon, who has stepped off the boat from Elba, will…
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John Cosgrove @johncosgrove.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
Could there be opportunities for Education in an Andy Burnham premiership, or would children, families and schools be better off with Starmer? My thoughts ... (Oh and don't forget to have your say in the consultation about what to do with £160 billion.) johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/2026/06/19/n...
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com
Napoleon Burnham v Louis Starmer
I see Keir Starmer this weekend like Louis XVIII, just returned from an International summit, waiting with his advisers and watching to see if Napoleon, who has stepped off the boat from Elba, will…
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John Cosgrove @johncosgrove.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Burham or Starmer? Which will be better for Education? johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/2026/06/19/n...
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com
Napoleon Burnham v Louis Starmer
I see Keir Starmer this weekend like Louis XVIII, just returned from an International summit, waiting with his advisers and watching to see if Napoleon, who has stepped off the boat from Elba, will…
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John Cosgrove @johncosgrove.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Epitaph for the schoolgirls of Minab. "Mistakes are made," he said. "War is nasty."
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John Cosgrove @johncosgrove.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Today, after school, grandson (Y6) offered to take me for a walk along the cliffs behind his house. It drizzled and he chattered the whole way. He pointed out swifts, wrens, bullfinches... he recounted the book his class is reading. We got very wet and it was brilliant.
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Mark Chadbourn @chadbourn.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
Tomorrow’s Independent front page:
The
INDEPENDENT
urop
The Way Bac
Their promises of more jobs, more trade, more power for Britain have proved a con, Michael Heseltine writes as the Brexit vote 10th anniversary approaches. Never have so few done so much damage to so many with so little ability to execute what they lied about. Their scandalously false prospectus has turned to dust and ashes. Naturally, they blame everyone but themselves.
They are the guilty men and should...
...hang their heads in shame
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John Cosgrove @johncosgrove.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
"Again and again, young people described a system that responded to struggle with isolation rather than support, including repeated use of isolation rooms..." The Milburn report found education bears some of the blame for the NEET crisis. johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/2026/06/07/t...
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com
There’s no simple NEET solution, but…
“More and better careers education.” “Reduce National Insurance!” “Ban smartphones for teenagers!” Numerous solutions have been offered following the publication of “Young People and Work,” Alan Mi…
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John Cosgrove @johncosgrove.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
“institutions ... designed for a different era ... are now escalating rather than defusing the NEET crisis.” Who to blame for a million NEET young people? The Milburn review says, in part, Ofsted and schools with Draconian behaviour policies... johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/2026/06/07/t...
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com
There’s no simple NEET solution, but…
“More and better careers education.” “Reduce National Insurance!” “Ban smartphones for teenagers!” Numerous solutions have been offered following the publication of “Young People and Work,” Alan Mi…
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Chris Chivers @chrischivers.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
Disengaged by default, linked to the idea of "pre-NEET", seemed to sum up elements of this discussion. Recent curricula, designed to be testable, result in a focus on "delivery", reducing engagement and interaction to formalised "stages" in a lesson, which can be observed and judged, eg, Ofsted.
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MrsG @lesleyg25.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
The Gove curriculum killed off vocational pathways, swiping away funded careers advice, work experience & funded apprenticeships, plus academic requirements for apprenticeships was seismic. None of this is rocket science if we want more trades & less NEET. Get kids on those pathways from age 14
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Holding the Line @sparkes66.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
All of this. Our secondary system seems to have become about control.I’m 60 - we used to be told jump through the hoops and the rewards will come - and to some degree it did. But this is no longer true. By repeating that untrue mantra we are eroding their self esteem. Time for change.
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John Cosgrove @johncosgrove.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
So many responses to Alan Milburn's review of NEET young people missed the point, I wouldn’t have been surprised to see Queen Camilla on the Buckingham Palace balcony, dressed as a shepherdess, waving a copy of the report shouting: “Let them eat cake!” johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/2026/06/07/t...
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com
There’s no simple NEET solution, but…
“More and better careers education.” “Reduce National Insurance!” “Ban smartphones for teenagers!” Numerous solutions have been offered following the publication of “Young People and Work,” Alan Mi…
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John Cosgrove @johncosgrove.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
The Government is supposed to be promoting inclusion and better provision for pupils with SEND, but the reality is that inclusive schools are still being punished and nothing persuades me things might change soon. share.google/2bb8vuUkAvff...
share.google
How pupils with special educational needs are more likely to see their schools close
How pupils with special educational needs are more likely to see their schools close
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Pam Jarvis @drpam.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Alan Milburn asks, why are so many young people mentally fragile? He could start with the fact that too many state schools have become traumatising demoralisation zones for both children and staff. Why are OFSTED still in place, 3 years after this, for eg? yorkshirebylines.co.uk/news/educati...
yorkshirebylines.co.uk
‘We felt like criminals’ – teachers talking Ofsted
Over 3,000 teachers have contributed to a spreadsheet laying bare the anguish of Ofsted inspections
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John Cosgrove @johncosgrove.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
"It seems to me blindingly obvious that what we do is prioritise the pleasure before we get into learning." Well said Frank Cottrell-Boyce, who also talks sense on the importance of Early Years. www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
theguardian.com
Children’s reading should prioritise pleasure over learning, says laureate
Frank Cottrell-Boyce tells MPs to focus on early-years reading, with more support for parents and nursery workers
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Rob Ford @robfordmancs.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
I fear Labour people risk falling into an ecological fallacy visible from space when reacting to these results. Here is what is very clear in results so far: Labour are losing *seats* to Reform, but... Labour are losing *votes* to the Greens Greens split the vote, Ref comes thru middle
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Reform Party UK Exposed @reformexposed.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
Nothing shows how little Reform UK care about Wales than this. Farage mocked after urging Powys voters to back Reform in ‘London elections’
nation.cymru
Farage mocked after urging Powys voters to back Reform in 'London elections'
Emily Price  Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has been mocked after publishing a campaign message in a Welsh newspaper attacking London Mayor Sadiq Khan and urging Powys voters to back his party in the…
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John Cosgrove @johncosgrove.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
A lovely walk today across Bodmin Moor to King Arthur's Hall, a curious structure around 10,000 years old. Nobody knows what it was for but everyone knows it had nothing whatsoever to do with King Arthur, which is obviously how it got its name.
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John Cosgrove @johncosgrove.bsky.social · 19/04/2026
The children are punished for wearing school uniform because school branded jumpers are "winter wear" and of course April is officially summer so it's never cold. 🤔 I do hope the BBC has got this story wrong. I don't want to believe any school would do this.
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John Cosgrove @johncosgrove.bsky.social · 18/04/2026
What a beautiful afternoon for a walk in the woods. The bluebells aren't yet at their peak, but they're close.
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SWA @swalexander.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Trump filed for bankruptcy multiple times long before he ever ran for president, so why is anyone surprised now?
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John Cosgrove @johncosgrove.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
"True Christians... welcome the richness that other traditions bring to our society... those who seek political advantage from stoking hatred should hang their heads in shame." My blog post from last Sunday, about the current wave of anti-Muslim rhetoric. johncosgrove55.wordpress.com/2026/03/22/p...
johncosgrove55.wordpress.com
Prayer is not Domination
In the 1930s my father got off a boat and set foot on English soil for the first time. An economic refugee before the term had been invented, he was following in the footsteps of his father, who ov…
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John Cosgrove @johncosgrove.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
"There are no bad boys. There is only bad environment, bad training, bad example, bad thinking," Edward Flanagan. Pope Leo gives welcome recognition to someone who understood the power of early intervention to forestall problems later in life. search.app/T3X1Y
search.app
Fr Flanagan: Irish priest who founded Boys Town on sainthood path
An Irish-born priest who inspired an Oscar-winning film takes significant step towards sainthood.
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