ASDAN releases new episode of Cross-sector Lab: reimagine education together with Lord Jim Knight

ASDAN has released the fourth episode in its Cross-sector Lab: reimagine education together podcast series. This episode features in an in-depth conversation between ASDAN CEO Melissa Farnham and ASDAN Patron Lord Jim Knight, one of the UK’s most influential figures in education policy. Drawing on his extensive experience as former Minister of State for Schools and Learning, Lord Knight reflects on the major policy shifts currently shaping the sector – from curriculum reform and inspection frameworks to the evolving skills landscape. 

The episode is available to listen on Spotify and a video of the discussion can be viewed on YouTube.

Shifting policy landscapes and the push for inclusion 

In this episode, Melissa and Lord Knight explore how recent and forthcoming national policy changes, including the curriculum and assessment review, the skills white paper and updates to the Ofsted framework, could influence schools and communities at a local level.  

Lord Knight emphasises the need for a renewed focus on “the diverse, the disadvantaged and the disillusioned”, highlighting the importance of ending narrowing measures such as the EBacc and expanding curriculum content to include life skills, media and climate literacy, digital skills and citizenship from an early age. 

A key theme of the discussion is the critical role of inclusion, particularly in relation to SEND and early intervention. Lord Knight underscores the need for better-trained early years practitioners, more timely support for young people, and a system designed to meet the needs of every learner, rather than a “standardised child who doesn’t really exist”. 

Championing enrichment for all learners 

When asked which area he would champion over the next decade, Lord Knight identifies “enrichment for all” as the most transformative agenda for schools. He reflects on examples of schools embedding enrichment into the timetable to boost attendance, teacher engagement and students’ sense of purpose, arguing that education should be “designed to give children purpose”. He also explores the opportunities and cautions associated with AI in education, noting its potential to reduce teachers' workload and reshape assessment, while stressing the need for careful implementation. 

ASDAN’s progress and future purpose 

The episode concludes with a reflection on ASDAN’s own development. Lord Knight praises ASDAN’s progress over the past decade, highlighting the launch of the digital platform Equitas, refreshed course pathways and the charity’s renewed presence in national conversations around inclusion and educational equity. 

Cross-sector Lab: reimagine education together is ASDAN’s podcast series that brings leaders, educators and changemakers from education, policy and industry into conversation about how to create a more equitable, future-ready learning system. 

ASDAN’s podcast offers valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities ahead for the sector and reaffirms ASDAN’s commitment to ensuring every learner has access to meaningful, inclusive and future-focused educational experiences.