Welcome to an eye-opening exploration into the world of school management software in England, a market worth millions that is seldom discussed. This episode uncovers the complex dynamics of how schools choose these essential systems, which handle everything from attendance to grades.

We delve into a revealing investigation by Schools Week, which highlights the controversial referral fees paid by education technology companies to local councils. Discover how companies like Arbor Education are influencing decisions with significant financial incentives, raising questions about the impartiality of council recommendations.

The plot thickens with a court case between major MIS providers Bromcom and Arbor. Learn about the legal battle over alleged unfair procurement practices and how it sets a precedent for transparency and fairness in school software contracts.

This episode sheds light on the hidden financial maneuvers affecting public funds and educational technology, urging greater transparency and involvement of educators in the decision-making process. Join us for this deep dive and find out why school software is more intriguing than you might think!

In this episode, we delve into the intriguing world of school management software used by English schools to handle student data, grades, and attendance. While it may sound mundane, there's a twist that raises significant questions about ethics and transparency.

We uncover how some English councils are receiving referral fees from Arbor Education, a company providing these management information systems (MIS). Schools Week's investigative piece reveals that these payments, often undisclosed, could influence councils' supposedly unbiased advice to schools.

Our second source, WhichMIS, explores reactions to these referral fees, with opinions divided. While Arbor claims the fees level the playing field for smaller providers, critics argue they are inappropriate and raise concerns about product quality and fairness.

Expert Duncan Baldwin calls for a code of conduct to ensure transparency and fairness in how support teams operate, drawing parallels to financial advisors' ethical standards.

Join us as we discuss the implications of these referral fees, the need for transparency in school decision-making, and what proactive steps parents and stakeholders can take to ensure that decisions prioritize students' best interests.

Tune in to understand the broader issues at play and the importance of accountability in educational systems worldwide.

Ever wish you could clone yourself just to handle all the lesson planning? Some teachers in England might have found the next best thing. In this episode, we dive into a fascinating paper about how they're using ChatGPT to revolutionize education.

Forget generic lesson plan templates. Teachers are using ChatGPT to create entire lessons aligned with England's national curriculum. From incorporating recent discoveries from Pompeii into a Roman Empire unit to generating differentiated activities for diverse learning needs, ChatGPT is bringing history to life and personalizing education like never before.

But it doesn't stop there. ChatGPT is also helping teachers generate worksheets, quizzes, and presentations, simplifying complex texts for students who need extra support, and even offering advice on classroom management and handling issues like cyberbullying.

This episode explores how ChatGPT can empower teachers to provide more one-on-one support, foster creativity, and save valuable time. Imagine having a digital assistant that can customize learning experiences, generate tailored practice problems, and act as a professional development partner available 24-7.

Join us as we explore the potential of AI to make education more equitable and the exciting future of teaching with ChatGPT. For more resources and to read the paper discussed, visit our website. This is just the beginning of a larger conversation about the future of education. Until next time, keep those minds curious.