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Episode 1 - A Delight in Class

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 “Superheads” 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 1, John goes back to the beginning, hearing the story of Trevor's emergence as one of the original "Superheads".

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

Available now

14 minutes

Last on

Mon 23 Sep 2024 13:45

Broadcast

  • Mon 23 Sep 2024 13:45