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Episode 2 - Lots of Untapped Potential

The rise and fall of the original 'Superhead'.

John Dickens has been investigating Trevor Averre-Beeson for the best part of a decade. Averre-Beeson was once one of the most prominent examples of the generation of β€œSuperheads” that Tony Blair and Michael Gove backed in turn to help transform failing schools in Britain. He built an education empire around a large academy trust, Lilac Sky.

But in 2016, that empire suddenly and rapidly collapsed, sparking a scandal that sent shockwaves through the world of education.

John Dickens explores the inside story behind the rise and fall of one of Britain’s most charismatic educators, and investigates whether the rapid growth - and precipitous collapse - of Lilac Sky exposes weaknesses in regulation that the government has failed to fully reckon with.

In Episode 2, John hears from an insider who describes Trevor's ill fated spell at the helm of an education experiment, when an American firm became one of the first private companies to run a British school, and appointed him as Headteacher.

Producers: Robert Nicholson and Charlie Towler
Sound Design: Tom Brignell
Executive Producer: David Prest
A Whistledown production for ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4

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14 minutes

Last on

Tue 24 Sep 2024 13:45

Broadcast

  • Tue 24 Sep 2024 13:45