Evelyn Forde shares her lived experience, from not feeling she mattered in school to becoming headteacher of the year.

Evelyn tells Mark and Elaine about finding her way back into education, after feeling like she didn't belong and was disillusioned with school.

She talks about the importance of making both children and adults feel like they matter – which is shaped by one's actions, behaviour and attitudes.

Cultivating this sense of belonging is integral to Evelyn's practice as an educator and a leader.

"It's about nurturing leadership without bias, being yourself and just being nice."

Full show notes and transcript: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe/news/2025/jun/making-sure-everyone-matters-evelyn-forde-tells-herstory-staffroom-s05e04