In this episode of Teach Sleep Repeat, we dive headfirst into the absolute state of spelling in schools right now – and why teaching it (and English in general) feels harder than ever. We chat about the importance of reading, the pressure to teach perfectly, and how it’s all become a bit of a mess.

Then, it’s time for some hilarious listener stories – including a few accidental classroom swears that had us howling (and hiding from SLT). Finally, we wrap things up with a chaotic Q&A where we tackle everything from whether we regret becoming teachers, how on earth to get enough sleep, and the all-important question: what kebab filling would we be?

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It’s SATs week – and we’ve got thoughts. In this episode, Dylan and Hayden share their top tips for teachers to survive the chaos, keep kids calm, and not lose their minds during one of the busiest weeks of the primary calendar. We also talk about cheating......

Then, we switch gears for a big question: Should we still have faith schools in the UK?
We unpack the arguments for and against – from community cohesion and parental choice to inclusion, funding, and what a “neutral” education really means in 2025.

Expect honest takes, classroom laughs, and a few spicy opinions.

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In this episode of Teach Sleep Repeat, Dylan and Hayden delve into the pressing issues facing the UK education system. They explore six critical areas where the system is faltering:​

1. Autonomy and Agency: Examining the diminishing independence of educators in their teaching methods.

2. Teacher Qualifications and Expertise: Discussing concerns over the adequacy of teacher training and professional development.

3. Agency Workers: Highlighting the challenges faced by supply teachers and the exploitation within the system.

4. Pedagogical Understanding: Addressing the lack of deep pedagogical knowledge influencing curriculum design.

5. Assessment and Diagnostics: Critiquing the over-reliance on standardized testing and its impact on student learning.

6. Purpose of Education: Questioning whether the system serves students' needs or merely political optics.​

Following this in-depth discussion, the conversation shifts to the potential for upcoming teacher strikes. The National Education Union (NEU) recently rejected the government's proposed 2.8% pay rise, citing it as "unacceptable" and "unfunded" . An indicative ballot showed that 93.7% of members voted to reject the offer, with 83.4% willing to take strike action . However, the turnout was 47.2%, just below the 50% threshold required for legal industrial action. The NEU is calling for a fully funded, above-inflation pay rise to address the ongoing recruitment and retention crisis in schools.​

In this episode:

• A critical analysis of systemic issues in UK education.

• Insights into the NEU's stance on the proposed pay rise.

• Discussion on the implications of potential teacher strikes.

Whether you're a primary or secondary teacher, teaching assistant, or part of the senior leadership team, this episode offers valuable perspectives.

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