Culture Before Curriculum – The School Podcast – In the latest episode of The School Podcast Cameron Parker sits down with Director of Education Tom Hague.
Throughout the episode, Tom shared his journey from Teach First maths teacher to Vice Principal, Founding Headteacher and now Director of Education working across multiple schools. But one theme kept coming back throughout the conversation: Culture matters.
Watch the full interview on YouTube →
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Culture before Curriculum
One phrase that stood out was: “Culture before curriculum.”
Now that does not mean curriculum is not important. Of course it is. But Tom explained that without strong culture, consistency and relationships, it becomes much harder for teaching and learning to thrive long term. Behaviour, attendance, staff morale, teacher development and student outcomes are all connected to the environment a school creates every single day.
And that culture is not built through posters or slogans. It is built through standards, relationships, leadership and consistency over time.
Great Teachers Still Matter Most
The conversation also explored teaching, sets, mixed ability classes and school improvement strategies. Despite all the debates in education, Tom simplified it perfectly: “The skill of the teacher trumps it all.”
Great teachers create impact. That is why leadership matters too. Tom spoke about the importance of creating environments where teachers can continue improving, developing and refining their craft.
Not through gimmicks or constant new initiatives, but through deliberate practice, coaching and strong school culture.
Leadership Behind The Scenes
One of the most interesting parts of the conversation was hearing the reality of modern school leadership.
Tom spoke openly about:
- balancing leadership pressures
- supporting staff wellbeing
- improving attendance and behaviour
- engaging parents
- making difficult decisions
- staying visible within schools
Even as an Director of Education, he still teaches lessons and stays active within the school environment because he believes leadership should remain connected to the classroom. That authenticity matters.
Final Thoughts
This was not a conversation full of buzzwords or unrealistic solutions. It was an honest discussion about what actually helps schools improve. Because while curriculum, systems and strategy all matter…people, culture and relationships still sit at the centre of great schools.
