# Ep 249:  Katharine Birbalsingh, Britain’s Strictest Headmistress on school culture and high expectations.

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-art-of-teaching-3572278/ep-249-katharine-birbalsingh-britain-s-strictest-headmistress-on-school-culture-and-high-expectations
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-art-of-teaching-3572278/ep-249-katharine-birbalsingh-britain-s-strictest-headmistress-on-school-culture-and-high-expectations.md
Podcast: [The Art of Teaching](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-art-of-teaching-3572278)
Published: 2026-02-05T09:19:28+00:00
Episode link: https://theartofteaching.podbean.com/e/ep-249-katharine-birbalsingh-britain-s-strictest-headmistress-on-school-culture-and-high-expectations/
Audio file: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/veewzr725f8vg5dq/THE_ONE_Katharine_Birbalsingh_-_5_2_2026_807_PManxpp.mp3
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Duration seconds: 2411

## Resource

Today on The Art of Teaching, I’m joined by Katharine Birbalsingh, one of the most talked-about and uncompromising voices in education. As headteacher of Michaela Community School, Katharine has challenged long-held assumptions about behaviour, curriculum and equity, advocating for high expectations, explicit teaching and a knowledge-rich education for every child. In this conversation, we explore school culture, discipline, leadership and what it really takes to create classrooms where all students can thrive.

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## Transcript

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