ASDAN releases third episode of Cross-sector Lab: reimagine education together with Meena Wood

ASDAN has released the third episode of its Cross-sector Lab: reimagine education together podcast series. Drawing on her leadership and inspection experience, Meena reflects on what she calls the “Cinderella sector” of education – the further education system that often receives less attention and funding than schools and universities. 

“Children are driven towards a single ‘gold standard’ of university,” Meena explains. “We take no account of context, background or barriers. That’s where intergenerational failure begins.” 

She calls for a more balanced approach that values vocational and technical pathways alongside academic ones – echoing ASDAN’s mission to broaden opportunity and recognise diverse forms of success. 

Skills for life and work 

Meena and ASDAN CEO Melissa Farnham explore how repeated experiences of academic failure can damage confidence and motivation. They discuss the need for a skills-led curriculum that builds resilience, purpose and employability. 

“We used ASDAN qualifications in an inclusion hub for students who had fallen behind,” Meena recalls. “90% of those pupils had no suspensions or exclusions after returning to mainstream classes. Attendance and motivation improved dramatically.” 

Meena emphasises that embedding practical, portfolio-based learning from primary school onwards – through programmes like ASDAN’s – can help learners develop the skills and confidence they need for the future. 

Cross-sector Lab episode 3 – Meena Wood: breaking barriers in post-16 education 

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