Frank and Stan Chats

By: Frank Norris and Stan Johnson
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  • Summary

  • Frank Norris and Stan Johnson have been friends since 1995. Both have had successful and lengthy careers in education. Frank was a very senior HMI with Ofsted for 11 years and was the CEO of the Coop Academies Trust for 6 years. Stan was seconded to Ofsted for a year and then returned to headship before working as a senior adviser with Lancashire LA. He has latterly led a successful education consultancy in the North West. Prior to Covid-19, the two gents would meet in Manchester for a pint or two but the pandemic put an end to that. On 1 May 2020, they recorded their first video chat as a way of recording their emotions and reactions to the pandemic. After putting the video on Youtube as a safe place to store it they realised that some followers began to appear. Now, with nearly 180 episodes and having chatted to Professors, CEOs, journalists, teachers, former HMI, education thinkers and Frank's Key Stage 1 leading daughter they have a loyal following and a rapidly increasing number of viewers. The reach of the Frank and Stan Chat stretches from Bogota to Ottawa to Greece and their first Live Edition was recorded in front of nearly 200 Headteachers in York. The Chats are not undertaken to attract followers or for financial reward (nothing is received and nothing will be received). It is a way of airing views on education matters between two professional friends with a focus on leadership. We are honoured to be invited to host the weekly chats on the Leader-connect website www.leader-connect.co.uk. The chats helped the gents get through the pandemic and they are delighted that they have been enjoyed by others and appear to have helped in developing leadership thought and actions. If you fancy being a guest then just reach out. We never post a video unless the guest is comfortable with it. So, it is a relatively risk-free environment. Thank you. Frank and Stan

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    © 2023 Frank and Stan Chats
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Episodes
  • Frank and Stan Chat No. 210

    Frank and Stan Chat No. 210
    Jan 17 2025
    Life is full of contradictions and this week's chat is no exception. The two gents reflect on the knowledge, skills, understanding, attitudes and behaviours necessary for living in today's world and the one that is coming. Stan considers the challenges he has faced in rebuilding a family member's bathroom. It has been a journey of discovery both for him and for those he has sought help from during the past three weeks. Frank reflects on the PM's speech about AI and considers whether all of the connections have been made in terms of what is taught in schools and whether there is clarity on how to achieve this. The government wants growth and it will need to do more to ensure education delivers what the economy needs moving forward. So, the chat highlights a possible contradiction or does it?. Stan wants more traditional life skills so that young people can make the most of their lives as well as supporting the drive for economic growth whereas Frank wants to focus fully on the future where AI will be a key feature. But, all of these aspects are central to successful personal and national futures. We definitely need greater clarity on all of this and a shift away from viewing the academic route as the preferred route. This is where the PM missed a trick, in our opinion. We hope you enjoy the chat.

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    37 mins
  • Frank and Stan Chat No. 209

    Frank and Stan Chat No. 209
    Jan 10 2025
    Frank and Stan are delighted to welcome back Lisa Fathers. Lisa was a guest in Edition 164 just over a year ago. During that time she's been promoted to Deputy CEO of the trust. The start of 2025 has seen a very cold spell and no let up on the education news front. This week Stan considers the power of AL and the somewhat circular nature of some of its insight. Lisa then picks up the baton to consider the Schools Bill that passed its Second Reading this week as well as the impact of the various news stories around child exploitation. Frank then considers the data on GCSE resits and how the current approach blocks pathways for too many young people. We also have time to reflect on the various tricky decisions school leaders have had to make this week about whether to open or close due to the cold weather conditions. For every parent/carer who agrees with the decision there is likely to be just as many dumbfounded by it. Enjoy.

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    31 mins
  • Frank and Stan Chat No. 208

    Frank and Stan Chat No. 208
    Dec 13 2024

    The final chat of 2024 sees Eric Craven 'The Scouse Poet' return for his fourth appearance as a guest on the chat. He reads some of his whimsical poems and Stan offers one to him! We also reflect on five chats drawn from the year that made an impression long after they were broadcast. We have been fortunate to have so many colleagues willing to join our chats each week and as we always say these are the real stars. We have noticed that some very high profile guests often receive correspondingly high viewing and listening figures. We have tried here to highlight guests with a lesser profile but who offer fascinating insights. The chats that are specifically covered in this edition are:


    Aelwyn Pugh Edition 187

    Emma Ainsworth Edition 195

    Dr Vic Carr Edition 207

    Neil Sheldon Edition 184

    Lisa Lea Weston Edition 176


    Have a happy Christmas and a great New Year. We are back on 10th January with guests already lined up into the second half of 2025.


    Best wishes


    Frank and Stan


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    43 mins

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