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Simon Kidwell

@simonkidwell.bsky.social
1.6K followers 1.5K following 180 posts

School Principal and NAHT Past President . All views expressed are my own.

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Reposted by Simon Kidwell
NAHT @naht.org.uk · 05/11/2025
NAHT past president, Simon Kidwell, spoke to BBC Breakfast this morning about the strengths and weaknesses of the recommendations in the new curriculum and assessment review 👇
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Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 12/09/2025
I spoke on BBC Breakfast about school readiness and the importance of education settings and parents working in partnership to access key services and support.
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Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 12/09/2025
I spoke on BBC Breakfast about school readiness and the importance of education settings and parents working in partnership to access key services and support.
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Reposted by Simon Kidwell
NAHT @naht.org.uk · 16/07/2025
Former NAHT president, Simon Kidwell, spoke to ITV News about the impact testing can have on children's well-being. Other assessment methods can sometimes be more appropriate and the government's curriculum & assessment review should look carefully at this.
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Andy Jolley @andyjolley.bsky.social · 13/07/2025
Great from Simon Not only is it wrong that schools have to subsidise catering from teaching budgets But the quality of food being offered is unquestionably getting worse No one can justifiably claim school food is nutritious Which undermines any notion it brings health or attainment benefits
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Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 13/07/2025
This week I spoke to BBC Breakfast about the important of providing schools with adequate funding for school meals.
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Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 10/07/2025
NAHT Ballot After three brilliant years serving as part of the NAHT Presidential Team, my Executive term of office comes to an end this August. If you’re a member in the North West, please consider voting for me in the latest round of postal elections for our National Executive.
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Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 10/07/2025
NAHT Ballot After three brilliant years serving as part of the NAHT Presidential Team, my Executive term of office comes to an end this August. If you’re a member in the North West, please consider voting for me in the latest round of postal elections for our National Executive.
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Reposted by Simon Kidwell
NAHT @naht.org.uk · 09/07/2025
NAHT past president Simon Kidwell appeared on BBC Breakfast this morning to talk about the challenges faced by schools in deficit over school meal funding and the risk that nutritional standards could fall as a result.
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Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 06/07/2025
We’ve hit 66 miles on our #Hartford100mile ride with 16 amazing Hartford Manor parents! 🚴‍♂️🚴‍♀️ We’re at 95% of our fundraising goal — help us reach 100%! 🙌 using the link below:
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Andy Jolley @andyjolley.bsky.social · 04/06/2025
Fantastic news on Labour extending FSM eligibility to everyone claiming Universal Credit @bphillipsonmp.bsky.social making a bold and positive move that will unquestionably help address child poverty This is long overdue and credit must go to DfE But… there are still some details that need work
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Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 03/06/2025
Three years ago today… the country was celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 🇬🇧 I celebrated with a wild camping trip to the Lake District. Just me, this view, and total silence.
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Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 02/06/2025
Great news! Andrew is an innovative thinker and an authentic leader. His deep experience working directly with his school community will make him a powerful voice at the heart of education policy. schoolsweek.co.uk/headteacher-...
schoolsweek.co.uk
Maintained school head lands new DfE adviser role
Andrew O'Neill will deliver 'frontline expertise directly into the heart of policy-making', government says
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Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 01/06/2025
The RNLI 100 km route with the Three Bromptoneers.
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Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 01/06/2025
It’s the #ThreeShires RNLI Sportive today. I’m hoping to finish the 100km route on my @bromptonbicycle.bsky.social
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Andrew O’Neill @andrewoneill.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
This a fantastic piece from @samgibbs.bsky.social. It’s so important to look at the brilliant expertise from within rather than assuming that paying someone on the outside to deliver an off-the-shelf approach is going to be your silver-bullet. It isn’t.
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Reposted by Simon Kidwell
NAHT @naht.org.uk · 27/05/2025
Talk of a reshuffle may have the education secretary’s detractors excited, but it would be bad news for a sector in desperate need of stable leadership. bit.ly/4mya5Tn
bit.ly
Talk of a reshuffle should have the sector worried
Even the education secretary's detractors wouldn't benefit from another change at the top
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Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 25/05/2025
In my @schoolsweek.bsky.social OpEd piece, I argue why Labour must back Bridget Phillipson — and why stable leadership is key to real change in schools. schoolsweek.co.uk/continuity-a...
schoolsweek.co.uk
Talk of a reshuffle should have the sector worried
Even the education secretary's detractors wouldn't benefit from another change at the top
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Yorkshire Bylines @yorkshirebylines.co.uk · 25/05/2025
As the calls to reinstate Sure Start grow louder, @ruthswailes.bsky.social outlines the lasting effects it had for those who used its services in the 2000s; 'reducing services means reducing friendships.'
yorkshirebylines.co.uk
A very personal blog: getting by with a little help from our friends
When Ruth’s husband was diagnosed with cancer, friends she’d made via Sure Start rallied round. But what about today’s young families?
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Sam Gibbs @samgibbs.bsky.social · 25/05/2025
Agree entirely with this piece- we need stability, not a conveyor belt of ministers. ‘More than ever, what education needs is long-term strategy shaped by those on the front line. Only through sustained, stable leadership can we secure meaningful and lasting improvement in our education system.’
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Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 25/05/2025
In my @schoolsweek.bsky.social OpEd piece, I argue why Labour must back Bridget Phillipson — and why stable leadership is key to real change in schools. schoolsweek.co.uk/continuity-a...
schoolsweek.co.uk
Talk of a reshuffle should have the sector worried
Even the education secretary's detractors wouldn't benefit from another change at the top
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Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 11/05/2025
What’s weekend! The Traws Eryri is one the toughest physical challenges I’ve experienced. 128miles, 14000ft of climbing and some of the most testing gravel trails in the UK.
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Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 09/05/2025
Heading over to Snowdonia for my next cycling adventure tonight. The Traws Eryri - 2 days, 200km and over 4000m of climbing. youtu.be/OayV3zZZiwI?...
youtu.be
Can Si Survive A 200km Mountain Adventure? | Gravel Bike VS Traws Eryri Route
YouTube video by Global Cycling Network
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Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 05/05/2025
Back from a fantastic @naht.org.uk National Conference where I met so many inspiring School Leaders doing amazing work in our schools. A personal highlight was introducing one of my cycling heroes, and National Active Travel Commissioner, @chrisboardman.bsky.social
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Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 26/04/2025
Multiple, simultaneous challenges are testing the government’s ability to lead & improve lives. Ultimately, the success of any gov. should be judged by how it improves the lives of young people. This week, I spoke to @johnharris1969.bsky.social about child poverty & its impact on schools.
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Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 26/04/2025
Multiple, simultaneous challenges are testing the government’s ability to lead & improve lives. Ultimately, the success of any gov. should be judged by how it improves the lives of young people. This week, I spoke to @johnharris1969.bsky.social about child poverty & its impact on schools.
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Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
Sandbach’s #THREESHIRES cycle sportive is back raising valuable funds for the RNLI. I’ll be riding the 100km route on my @bromptonbicycle.bsky.social Come and join us. rnli.org/find-my-near...
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Reposted by Simon Kidwell
Andy Jolley @andyjolley.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
Well worth a listen @johnharris1969.bsky.social talking breakfast clubs with @simonkidwell.bsky.social & @pippacrerar.bsky.social I fear Ministers (& pippa) who think breakfast clubs will address child poverty in any meaningful way, are going to be massively disappointed It's wishful thinking
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Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
Yesterday, I spoke @johnharris1969.bsky.social for the Guardian political podcast, exploring the harsh realities of child poverty—and how it’s hitting our schools and shaping children’s futures. www.theguardian.com/politics/aud...
theguardian.com
Will rising child poverty be Labour’s legacy? – Politics Weekly UK
The government began to roll out its free breakfast club scheme this week as part of plans to help struggling families. But with predictions that child poverty could increase by the end of this parlia...
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Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
My first live gig of 2025. John Bramwell and Turin Brakes with @dwearing1972.bsky.social
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Reposted by Simon Kidwell
NAHT @naht.org.uk · 24/04/2025
NAHT immediate past president, Simon Kidwell, appeared on the Guardian podcast to discuss child poverty and school breakfast clubs. Listen here: bit.ly/4lIPgnB
bit.ly
Will rising child poverty be Labour’s legacy? – Politics Weekly UK
The government began to roll out its free breakfast club scheme this week as part of plans to help struggling families. But with predictions that child poverty could increase by the end of this parlia...
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Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
Yesterday, I spoke @johnharris1969.bsky.social for the Guardian political podcast, exploring the harsh realities of child poverty—and how it’s hitting our schools and shaping children’s futures. www.theguardian.com/politics/aud...
theguardian.com
Will rising child poverty be Labour’s legacy? – Politics Weekly UK
The government began to roll out its free breakfast club scheme this week as part of plans to help struggling families. But with predictions that child poverty could increase by the end of this parlia...
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Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 22/04/2025
It’s the last day of a fabulous Easter holiday. I’m catching the early train to Hereford and will be cycling the 100 miles back to Sandbach.
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Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 21/04/2025
One of the great things about being part of a school community for so long is bumping into ex-pupils. Today, I met a former Hartford Manor student who’s just become a teacher—fresh out of Newcastle University, where I studied back in the early 90s. #ProudtoTeach
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Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 18/04/2025
One of Englands’s great open spaces. #MorecambeBay
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Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 11/04/2025
It’s the final day of my bike packing tour of East Anglia. Yesterday’s highlights included Southwold, Sutton Hoo and a welcome return of the spring sun.
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Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 10/04/2025
Bike packing tour of East Anglia Day 4. Lowestoft to Felixstowe.
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Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
Day 2 90 miles of Norfolk gravel—Kings Lynn to Sheringham via Sandringham, Holkham Hall & Walsingham. Off shore winds made it a tough day, but another incredible day in the saddle.
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Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
Day 2 90 miles of Norfolk gravel—Kings Lynn to Sheringham via Sandringham, Holkham Hall & Walsingham. Off shore winds made it a tough day, but another incredible day in the saddle.
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Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
Some days on the bike, everything clicks. 85 miles of gravel from Bury St Edmunds to King’s Lynn—flinty trails, bridleways, forgotten lanes.
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Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 05/04/2025
All set for my Easter bikepacking tour of East Anglia — 387 miles of gravel tracks, bridleways, and peaceful country lanes ahead.
The image shows a route map from a cycling navigation app. Here are the key details:

	•	Route overview: The yellow-highlighted route creates a large loop around East Anglia in the UK, taking in areas like Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex. The route also skirts the coast in several places, especially around Norwich and the eastern coastline, before heading inland again.
	•	Distance and elevation: The total route is 387.0 miles long with 11,999 feet of elevation gain.
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Rae Snape (she/her) FFCCT, NPQEL, Honorary Fellow Suffolk Uni 💛 @raesnape.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
It was such a fabulous evening @simonkidwell.bsky.social @drmattbutler.bsky.social So many important stories to share. 🕯️
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Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
During the pandemic our Coronacast Network provided a safe safe space for educators to discuss the challenges they faced. Last night I met up with my brilliant friends and colleagues, @raesnape.bsky.social & @drmattbutler.bsky.social, who helped to make the network such a success.
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Tagtiv8 @tagtiv8.bsky.social · 25/02/2025
Back in 'work' mode with many #schools back from their February HT #holiday. Do you know of any #edusky #schoolleaders or #teachers who are looking to combine movement with learning? @simonkidwell.bsky.social @simon-gregg.bsky.social @smithsmm.bsky.social @raesnape.bsky.social 👉 tagtiv8.com 👀
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Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 23/02/2025
750 schools have been chosen to trial the free breakfast club intiative. I spoke to BBC Breakfast about the benefits and challenges. youtu.be/mOQr16KC7g4?...
youtu.be
Free Breakfast Clubs
YouTube video by Simon Kidwell
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Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 22/02/2025
Saturday morning cycling adventure. Hereford - Sandbach.
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Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
Catching up with #UAETour on a wet and windy morning in Wales. Great to get a shoutout from the commentary team.
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Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 08/02/2025
My interview with BBC Breakfast about Ofsted’s proposed report card. youtu.be/01xYMLyxByY?...
youtu.be
BBC Breakfast Ofsted 07/02/25
YouTube video by Simon Kidwell
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Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 08/02/2025
My interview with BBC Breakfast about Ofsted’s proposed report card. youtu.be/01xYMLyxByY?...
youtu.be
BBC Breakfast Ofsted 07/02/25
YouTube video by Simon Kidwell
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Simon Kidwell @simonkidwell.bsky.social · 08/02/2025
For years, I’ve been inspired by @realgeoffbarton.bsky.social stunning photographs of Suffolk’s big skies and @davidbedford1986.bsky.social tales about the wildlife of Norfolk. Later this year, I’m finally setting out to experience them firsthand—with a cycling tour of East Anglia.
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