Will Ord has two Philosophy degrees, a PGCE, has been a Head of a Religious Education department, a school governor, university lecturer, an author, writer for The Times Educational Supplement (Tes), and was chair of SAPERE (the UK Philosophy for Children charity).
Will strongly believes that young people need to be taught how to think and communicate well for great learning, the quality of their relationships, and in their role as active citizens in the 21st century.
Will has worked in education for 30 years and trained teachers in over 25 countries. His conference keynote speeches and workshops receive 95% ‘Excellent’ feedback. Courses are interactive and engaging with a particular emphasis on being very practical. Participants gain a developed understanding of key learning concepts (head), many techniques and tools to use in their respective contexts (hand), and the confidence and motivation to try things out in the immediate future (heart).
Audiences can be cross phase; Teaching Assistants are more than welcome, as well as governors and board members. All courses can be custom built to suit different contexts and remits.
Will also runs sessions for parents on how to help build confidence and resilience in their children, as well as ‘supportive praise’ and ‘great dialogue at home’. These sessions allow school and home to co-ordinate approaches on areas such as Growth Mindsets, positive attitudes towards learning, and key language development.
Will's areas of specialism include:
Keynote and course topics include:
Recent Testimonials
“Both my colleague and I both thought that it was the best course we had ever been on. Will was amazing and he kept us engaged throughout. It has given us fantastic ideas so thank you.” (Great Learners course delegate.)
“Excellent CPD on Metacognition. Made it meaningful and relevant. Lots of practical ideas I can use straight away. Leaving feeling motivated and energized!” (Metacognition Course delegate)
“An excellent speaker with a great subject knowledge who provides excellent ideas to take back to the school.” (Philosophy for Children Course delegate.)
Will is an award-winning best-selling author and key-note speaker, who specialises in making a difference. His workshops are a blend of positive psychology, growth mindset rationale and innovative behaviour change strategies. He encourages people to think, think again, and think differently; there is another way.
Will has a degree in Physical & Adventure Education -which is pretty much how he thinks all education should be. He has extensive teaching experience, understands the challenges of modern-day teaching and shares a wealth of practical tips, strategies and insight. Will enjoys working with numerous schools, businesses and organisations around the world to deliver positive, sustainable change for the better.
Will's areas of specialism include:
But not necessarily in that order! In truth, we can all learn to be better, but that often requires getting better at learning.
Publications:
Key Stages:
All
Recent testimonials
"Best training I've had in the 20+ years I've worked here."
Sarah - April 2024
"You are great, mixing practicality with science. Thank you for the inspiration."
Rachel - Nov 2023
"Thank -you Will for a very inspirational morning. Everything resonated with me and you were great to listen to. Fun and light -hearted but addressing a very serious and important subject."
Jo - Nov 2023
"Absolutely fantastic!! Interesting to listen to, thought provoking and achievable.
Thoroughly enjoyed the session."
Lisa - Jan 2024
To book Will for your next event, please get in touch at info@thelearningline.co.uk
Kris is an international teacher trainer and education writer. He served as an expert adviser for Ofsted’s mathematics inspection framework, the new ECT framework, the Framework for Initial Teacher Training Providers (the Munday Report), the National Review of the Primary School Mathematics Curriculum, and the government framework for textbook publishers.
Other advisory work includes consulting for NFER on the mathematics National Reference Test, for Ofqual in evaluating exam boards’ submissions for AS Core Mathematics, and for the Cambridge University ICCAMS Mathematics project. He was also a founding fellow of the Institute for Teaching (now Ambition Institute).
As a teacher, Kris worked at King Solomon Academy, an inner-London school founded in 2009 that serves the most economically deprived ward in London. In 2014, KSA ranked 4th in the national league tables. In 2015, it was 1st. As a former Director at Teach First, Kris was responsible for recruiting and training 200 new teacher educators, who now work with nearly 2,000 new trainee teachers each year.
Kris has been interviewed several times for Craig Barton’s mathematics podcast, has written multiple articles for TES, and more recently, has been published in books for ResearchED on Assessment and Direct Instruction. His current ResearchED talk explains the limitations of Cognitive Science and Cognitive Load Theory for informing instructional design and achieving Unstoppable Learning.
Kristopher invests in methods that work for all pupils, everywhere, at all times—not just those that serve some pupils, somewhere, sometimes. He favours approaches that minimise teachers’ workload. His forthcoming book codifies decades of science and research on instructional theory into what he calls the inexorable process of Unstoppable Learning.
95% of students can achieve a Grade 9 in GCSE maths. The reason only 3% do is not because only 3% are smart enough, nor because the system forces only 3% to succeed each year.
It’s because the know-how isn’t widely shared with schools and teachers. If we get the know-how to more teachers in more schools, we will quickly start to see far more than 3% of students achieve Grade 9, and far more than 60% achieve Grade 4.
This belief fuels all of Kristopher’s work and is at the core of Unstoppable Learning.
Now, for the first time, Kris Boulton is sharing the science behind Unstoppable Learning for mathematics with members of The Learning Line.
Exclusive keynotes, available via The Learning Line!
Baasit Siddiqui is an experienced educator, motivational speaker, entrepreneur, and television personality.
For many years, Baasit has collaborated with Schools and Businesses to inspire and educate young people in to recognising their potential and how it will support them in the world of work. Baasit has delivered workshops, talks and competitions to thousands of children across hundreds of schools.
His mission is simple, through combining his educational insights, entrepreneurial experiences, and a decade of television influence, Baasit strives to make a significant impact on young people’s understanding of education and its positive impact on career opportunities.
Baasit has combined his unique television experiences on the BAFTA winning television show Gogglebox with his knowledge, experiences, and passion for education to deliver motivational workshops, competitions, and assemblies across schools, colleges, and universities. Whether workshops focus on television, media or digital literacy, Baasit ensures that students within the workshops develop their understanding of career opportunities as well as the skills and attitude required within these careers.
As well as this, Baasit has worked with multiple businesses in and out of the education environment. He has empowered staff that work with children through CPD, chaired panel discussions, hosted awards and delivered conference keynotes. Baasit recognises the importance of education and how it is everyone’s responsibility to inspire the next generation.
He is in the privileged position to be able to champion and celebrate the hard work of all staff that support young people in reaching their true potential.
To book Baasit for your next event click below!
Growing up in the foster care system, my story begins in a world many only see in headlines. Raised in an environment marred by domestic violence, child abuse, drugs, crime, prostitution, and mental illness, my life was chaos. My mother struggled with Munchausen syndrome, and at 13 years old, I entered care with a heart full of anger, feeling like the world was against me. I became violent, abusive, manipulative—constantly searching for my next chaotic 'fix.'
But through this darkness came light, in the form of adults who refused to give up on me. School wasn’t a sanctuary in the beginning—it was just another place where I felt I didn’t belong. However, it became a space where I could forge meaningful connections, and it’s those relationships that helped me turn my life around. I’m living proof that every child is just one caring, trusted adult away from being a success. This belief drives every aspect of my work.
Today, as a professional inspirational speaker, I harness my lived experiences to deliver powerful, real-world messages to audiences across the UK and beyond. Through storytelling, humour, and deep emotional connection, I invite audiences into the lives of children growing up in care and in difficult circumstances. My signature keynote, Through the Kids’ Eyes, offers a raw, emotive, and thought-provoking exploration of the care system, focusing on trauma-informed strategies and the importance of language in social care and education.
In my sessions, I share how my personal journey of trauma, recovery, and resilience can inspire meaningful action in the day-to-day practices of social care professionals, educators, and foster carers.
I encourage my audience to reflect on their own lives and ask: How can you take the stories I share and use them to improve the way you work with children? How can you become that one trusted adult who changes a child’s life?
I aim to inspire, motivate, and empower individuals to act. Whether it’s fostering emotional connections, understanding trauma, or breaking down the barriers children face, my presentations blend impactful storytelling with actionable insights. From heartfelt moments that will bring a tear to your eye to humour that will leave you smiling, I create an unforgettable experience that motivates people to implement real changes.
Keynote Topics and Themes Include:
My goal is simple: to inspire action. I don’t just speak for the sake of telling my story; I speak to make a difference. To inspire every audience member to think differently about the children they work with, to act with intention, and to become that one person who changes a child’s life forever.
Defying statistics is what I'm all about. I'm a x3 university graduate, x3 business owner, x3 dad to three beautiful girls, x1 husband to the most supportive wife, and a firm believer in we have the ability to change our present day and futures. So what we going to do with that?
If you’re looking for a speaker who can move your audience to tears, laughter, and most importantly—action—then book me for your next event. Let’s make a difference, one story, one connection, and one life at a time.
Discover Nick’s incredible journey from overcoming the challenges of being in foster care to defying the odds and triumphing in life.
Book Nick for your next event here.
Dr. Pippa Busch is an Educational Psychologist with extensive experience working with young people, families and educators. She began her private practice, The Child Psych, after years of working in the Local Authority, out of a desire to help young minds in their growth journey. Her approach is empathetic and engaging, supporting young people to open up while designing and steering them through a personalised pathway.
Dr Pippa regularly speaks at schools, and both UK and international conferences, on a range of topics including SEND, attachment, neuro-affirming practice and Autism . She is an accredited ELSA Lead Trainer, and recently worked with ELSA founder Sheila Burton, to create videos to be used in ELSA training across the UK. Dr Pippa is the lead on several modules for the Teacher CPD Academy, author of chapters in The Wellbeing Toolkit, and a contributor to the Cognitive Science Network by InnerDrive. As founder and lead of The Child Psych, she oversees a team who offer bespoke training and support to schools.
Dr Pippa received her doctorate from the University of East London.
Bespoke Training
The Child Psych offers bespoke training to individuals and groups that is specifically moulded to fit your school. Some examples of topics and delivery routes offered include: Full INSET day training at your school; SEND training online; and Emotional Literacy Twilight (after school training).
ELSA Training
Dr. Pippa offers ELSA training and supervision, courses are delivered across six days either in school or a different location. Annual digital ELSA supervision with practitioners is also on offer.
Projects and Policies
The Child Psych provides informed and impartial assistance with policies and projects to educators across private and public settings, such as Inclusion Policies, SEND Performance, and Personal, Social, and Emotional Curriculum.
Leadership Counsel
Gain a new perspective and bounce ideas off a respected, industry-adjacent peer. Offering regular opportunities for School Leadership to speak with an Educational Psychologist was successfully trialed and implemented by Buckinghamshire Council.
Recent feedback
“We immersed our staff in the ELSA training course, and it gave us a wonderful amount of new information and knowledge we'd never before consider... I'm excited to implement the work". - Educational Staff
Publications
Teacher CPD Academy, lead author on the following modules:
• SEND & Cognitive Science
• Attachment The Wellbeing Toolkits
• Emotional Literature Skills
• Future Aspirations
• Emotion Coaching
• Growth Mindset
• Reflective Practice
Narinder is a transformational educational leader with over two decades of frontline experience across diverse contexts, including roles as a headteacher, trust-wide school improvement director, and international consultant.
She specialises in evidence-based strategies, inclusive practices, and system leadership to deliver sustainable impact at scale. Her extensive experience in coaching and collaboration has empowered educators to lead improvement, creating lasting change for children and communities.
Narinder brings a comprehensive understanding of education challenges, improvement strategies, priorities, and policy from both frontline experience and non-executive roles with the Foundation for Education Development and The Curriculum Foundation. These roles have shaped her ability to bridge policy and practice, advancing education locally and internationally, and building a strong reputation across peers, becoming a sought-after improvement partner.
Narinder offers expertise in the following areas:
Publications:
Jason is one of the world’s leading authorities on oracy, Philosophy for Children (P4C) and educating the more able. He is Founder and Director of The Philosophy Man, the UK’s leading independent provider of P4C training. Over 17,000 teachers receive his P4C resource bulletin and he is a sought-after speaker for educational conferences and events. He is author of five books, including Help Me Find My Voice, and Thinkers’ Games. He is also founder of the ground-breaking new approach making debating more inclusive - Debate Planet – and continues to work with teachers and students every week, both in the classroom and online.
He also set up Outspark: supporting schools to deliver the expedition element of the Duke Edinburgh Award. Alongside philosophy and outdoor education, Jason is also Director of GIFT, which runs residential trips for gifted and talented young people.
Jason’s passion for learning outside the classroom, combined with his energy and drive, means he will probably never retire from working with young people. His experience, knowledge and enthusiasm is a great asset to all schools who work with him as he continues to enrich the lives of children and young people.
Jo is a passionate, creative, and driven educator who has spent her career enhancing the life chances and opportunities for children and young people across all phases and sectors. Jo is utterly determined to remove all barriers to success, especially for those facing the greatest disadvantage and social inequity.
Jo has built a flourishing trust of 32 schools serving 13,500 children across the special, primary, and secondary sectors. As Chief Executive of Shaw Education Trust, her values and beliefs shine through the organisation. Leaders have an equal voice, and the advancement of people is at the heart of the mission. The trust has significantly invested in workforce development: establishing a thriving Institute of Education, an Apprenticeship Academy, a Research School, and pioneering ITE programmes.
Jo had a highly celebrated career prior to joining Shaw. She held three secondary headships, worked as a National Leader of Education, and contributed extensively in a high-level strategic role to the Greater Manchester Challenge. Jo has delivered programmes for the National College, worked within a local authority, delivered Excellence in Cities initiatives, and provided advice to the Department for Education.
Demonstrating her ongoing commitment to the system, Jo became Ofsted’s Regional Director for the North-West and National Director for Initial Teacher Education. She was a member of the Ofsted Executive Board and held the status of Her Majesty’s Inspector.
As CEO, Jo continues to collaborate with other leaders across the education sector to share insights gained from working within a unique trust. Fuelled by a deeply held belief that great leadership is intertwined with creativity, agency, innovation, and service, Jo is inimitable in her position within the sector. She has a proven track record in breaking down silos between phases and sectors to achieve rich and collaborative excellence.
Jo offers expertise in the following areas:
Tom is an expert in oracy, metacognition and Philosophy for Children. An experienced teacher and leader in several schools, Tom has been Head of Humanities, Religious Studies and Philosophy, as well as sat on Senior Academic Management Teams. He has worked as Online Learning Manager at The Economist Educational Foundation. He has been CEO, at The Philosophy Man for seven years, and Co-Founder and Director of Hidden Leaders. He still works in classrooms week-in, week-out.
A Durham philosophy graduate, Tom is co-author of four books for teachers, and regularly writes materials received by over 17,000 educators in 91 countries. He has written for several Headteachers' publications and his article was chosen by the UK government as its principal guide on how to help children discuss the war in Ukraine.
In 2014 he was awarded The Walter Hines Page Scholarship by the English-Speaking Union to research the role of assessment in philosophy. He co-presented the TedX Talk "Hmmm Questions" in 2017 and is one half of "Spot and Stripe", the popular children's miniseries used in schools worldwide. Tom continues to work with schools to help them embed philosophical discussions into their curriculum. His ideas are rooted in his vast experience working with all age groups and are known for their immediate impact on learning.
In brief…
I’m an education journalist, co-founder of the daily survey app, Teacher Tapp, and renowned keynote speaker.
For six years I taught in challenging east London schools before being taken to court by the government for asking a question. I eventually became the Guardian’s education columnist and editor of the investigative newspaper Schools Week.
After that I started Teacher Tapp, a daily survey of 10,000 teachers, to help find out the truth of what was happening in schools and use it to challenge government and the media.
Want more?
Since 2013, I have been a columnist for The Guardian and have written for other publications including The Observer, the New Statesman, The TES, and Prospect.
I regularly use my schools expertise to appear on broadcasts including Radio 4’s Today, Radio 5 Live, BBC London, LBC, Talk Radio, and Sky News. (If you want to get in touch for broadcast purposes, contact me).
I have authored four books, The Leadership Factor, Leading Academy Trusts, The Leadership Juggling Act, and The Six Predictable Failures of Free Schools (And How To Avoid Them).
Over the past 10 years I have keynoted and hosted at most major education events including, The Wellington Festival of Education, the Headteachers Roundtable, and the BETT show.
My main specialism is looking carefully at government policies, clearing away all the faff and pomp, and explaining exactly what will happen to teachers, pupils, parents and the wider school community.
Onto the nerdy stuff
I’ve a geeky interest in free schools & academies. In 2011 I published the book The Six Predictable Failures of Free Schools…And How To Avoid Them before receiving a Fulbright Scholarship enabling me to spend two years in the US studying their global equivalents.
In 2014 I was taken to court by the Department for Education for asking a question. After initially losing, I later won the answer. I represented myself in court throughout the proceedings.
My specialist topic is the influence of politics on education. I have a database called ‘greatness’ based on my reading of all available biographies of past UK’s Education Secretaries. I once ran a website about the process, documented at www.greatedusecs.com. And I now give talks on what we can learn from past education secretaries and am wheeled out whenever one changes — which is, on average, every 801 days.
I also sell a great card game called Battle of The Education Secretaries if you are a super nerd.
My teacher training was completed through TeachFirst and I received the 2008 Award for Outstanding Teaching.
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