In this powerful first part of our conversation with Jeannette Thompson-Wessen, we hear how a passionate, dedicated food technology teacher went from being earmarked for leadership to being bullied, ignored and broken. After returning from maternity leave, the praise disappeared, the support vanished, and the treatment became so toxic it pushed her…

In Part 2 of our conversation with Jeannette Thompson-Wessen, the story turns even darker. After being shouted at while pregnant, ignored during risk assessments, and breaking down in front of students, Jeannette was left utterly broken. She describes a period of severe depression, suicidal thoughts, and the moment a school chose to send a parental…

Former maths teacher David Myers joins us for a gripping two-part conversation about his journey in and out of the classroom - and everything in between. In this first episode, we follow David from the early days of creative teaching and academic passion, through a toxic shift in school culture, the loss of professional autonomy, and the impact of …

In Part 2 of our conversation with David Myers, we pick up at the point he finally walks away from teaching - and follow what happens next. From exploring tutoring, supply work and student support roles, to landing a new job at Durham University (in the castle, no less), David reflects on rebuilding his confidence, recovering from burnout, and redi…

In todays bonus episode of The Pit Pony Podcast, we bring you another trio of powerful Sliding Doors moments – those life-defining experiences shared by our guests since leaving the classroom. 🎙️ Rachael Daniel reflects on an event, that reminded her not all schools are toxic, and some can still feel like home. 🎙️ Kitty White shares how the simple …

In this vital episode of The Pit Pony Podcast, Sharon and Sarah discuss one of the most common - and distressing - questions that surfaces in the Life After Teaching community: What do I do if I think I’m being bullied? Drawing on hundreds of real teacher experiences, they unpack the early warning signs, the subtle shifts in communication and behav…

In this special Sliding Doors bonus episode, we bring you three more powerful and deeply personal reflections from teachers who’ve exited the classroom and discovered unexpected joy, freedom, and purpose on the other side. 🎙 Hollie Jones shares the life-saving impact of leaving teaching - how being able to drop everything for her son’s emergency su…

This week’s Pit Pony Podcast is a bit different - it’s just Sharon and Sarah, no guest, but lots of honesty, insight and real talk. We’re kicking off a three-part mini-series by tackling one of the biggest foundations of protecting yourself at work: knowing your rights. From understanding the Burgundy Book and STPCD (NB Sarah had a little moment an…

In this sixth edition of our beloved Sliding Doors Stories, we bring you three powerful moments from guests who, after leaving the classroom, found clarity, connection and joy in unexpected places. ✨ Katie Stone shares how her relationship with her daughter transformed – and how a trip to New Zealand gave her children a once-in-a-lifetime experienc…

In this special episode of The Pit Pony Podcast, we’re turning the spotlight inward. For the first time, co-host Sharon Cawley shares her own powerful and deeply personal sliding doors story. More than just about leaving teaching, it’s about the moment Sharon reclaimed control of her life and showed what’s possible when we choose presence over pres…

In this episode, we’re joined by the unstoppable Ilana King - educational consultant, entrance exam specialist, home educator, and all-round powerhouse. Ilana’s journey is far from typical. After just two years in the classroom, she knew it wasn’t the right fit - and rather than settle, she built something new. Literally. She created her own nurser…

This week, we’re joined by the brilliant and unassuming Peter Scholes – a man who gave 21 years to the classroom before stepping away when shifting leadership turned a once-thriving school culture into something unrecognisable. In this heartfelt episode, Pete shares how the sudden departure of a beloved headteacher triggered a school-wide unravelin…

In the first of this two-part special, we meet Rob Newlands, a former headteacher who climbed the leadership ladder quickly - only to face a stark and painful reality at the top. At just 30 years old, Rob stepped into a headship in Cornwall, full of energy, purpose, and a belief that he could make a difference. But what awaited him was far from the…

In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Rob Newlands takes us through the devastating fallout of his time in headship - and the turning point that changed everything. After months of isolation, impossible expectations, and systemic failure, Rob faced a brutal mocksted that delivered the final blow. What followed was a silent breakdown behind close…

Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? Buy Us a Coffee ☕️ Kitty White never imagined she’d leave teaching - she was in it for life. But after years of battling anxiety, disillusionment, and a crushing sense of being lost, she made a brave leap out of the classroom and into something completely different. In this powerful episode, Kitty reflects on the emotio…

What happens when a dedicated teacher realises that the career she once loved is no longer the right fit? In this episode, we sit down with Rachael Daniel, who made the bold decision to step away from teaching and carve out a new path. Rachael takes us through the highs and lows of her transition - from the moment she knew she had to leave, to the …

This week on The Pit Pony Podcast, we sit down with the incredible Grant Decker – a former teacher whose love for music led him to open his own record shop. After years in the classroom, supporting students with complex needs, Grant realised it was time for a change. In this episode, he shares his inspiring journey from education to entrepreneurshi…

In this episode of the Pit Pony Podcast, we sit down with Paul Lennon, a former teacher with 28 years of experience in secondary schools across the UK and around the world. Paul started his career as a PE teacher, eventually working his way up to head of department, assistant principal, and IB Diploma Coordinator. But his journey took an unexpected…

In this powerful two-part episode, we sit down with Hollie Jones, a former teacher turned neurodiversity practitioner, whose journey out of the classroom is one of resilience, advocacy, and hard-won justice. Hollie always believed teaching was her lifelong career - until she faced systemic barriers, discrimination, and a lack of understanding about…

In this second part to Hollie Jones’ story, we dive deeper into her legal battle for workplace justice, the emotional toll of discrimination, and the life-changing shift that followed. After an appalling "well-being" call that questioned her ADHD diagnosis, Hollie knew she was facing more than ignorance - she was up against systemic failure. With u…

In today's episode of The Pit Pony Podcast, we sit down with Ruth O’Neill, an educator who spent over 20 years in the classroom before stepping into a new role as a SEND consultant and English tutor. Ruth’s journey took her from teaching in the UK to classrooms in Cairo and Costa Rica, before returning home to take on a challenging SENCO role. Over…

This week’s episode is a powerful one. We sit down with Sarah Cowen, a former drama teacher who never planned to teach—until she fell in love with the profession. But after 18 years, she faced the realisation that her boundaries, well-being, and identity had been eroded over time. Sarah’s story is one of deep reflection, empowerment, and transition…

Welcome to another Sliding Doors Stories bonus episode, where we celebrate the incredible transformations our guests have experienced since leaving the classroom. In this episode, we hear from: ✨ Leanne Herring – from teacher to voice artist & content creator. ✨ Mark Thompson – from teacher to TV & film chaperone. ✨ Amy MacDonald – from teacher to …

Today, we sit down with Katie Stone, a former primary school teacher who left the classroom after facing work-related stress and the pressures of an informal support plan. Katie opens up about the emotional toll of teaching, the challenges of leaving, and how she found a new path that gave her both freedom and fulfilment. Now the owner of a success…

We’re back with another special bonus episode of The Pit Pony Podcast - Sliding Doors Stories, Part 4! In this episode, we revisit those powerful moments when our guests reflect on the incredible experiences they’ve had since leaving the classroom. This week, we hear from: 🎨 Jane Lloyd – From classroom teacher to artist, embracing a life filled wit…

This week, we welcome Amy MacDonald, a former primary school teacher who transformed her love for teaching outdoors into a fulfilling new career. Amy’s journey is one of resilience, self-discovery, and inspiration, showing us that life after teaching can be rich with opportunities. In this episode, Amy shares: 🌿 Her journey through challenging scho…

We’re thrilled to bring you another Sliding Doors Stories bonus episode! This special collection features incredible moments from our guests that truly capture the magic of life after teaching. In this episode, we revisit the inspiring reflections of: ✨ Rae Dillon – From classroom teacher to copywriter. Celebrating her dream wedding in Bora Bora - …

Mark Thompson is a former computing and business studies teacher with over 18 years of experience in education. After leaving the classroom in 2011, Mark transitioned into a unique and fulfilling career as a tutor and chaperone for children working on TV and film sets, including his work on CBBC. His role combines education with safeguarding, ensur…

We’re excited to share the second in our series of brand-new bonus episodes of the Pit Pony Podcast - a heartfelt collection of our guests’ incredible sliding doors moments. These powerful and inspiring stories celebrate the magic of life after teaching and the joy that comes from embracing new opportunities. In this episode, you'll hear from: ✨ Ro…

In the first part of this fantastic two-part episode, we introduce Leanne Herring, a passionate teacher whose love for education began as a six-year-old teaching her teddies. Spanning a decade-long teaching career across four schools, Leanne’s story unfolds with both moments of joy and deep challenges. Leanne reflects on her first school, where cre…

In the second part of Leanne Herring’s inspiring story, we delve into her journey beyond the classroom and explore the incredible life she’s built since leaving teaching. From pursuing a master's degree in psycholinguistics to discovering her passion for voiceover artistry, Leanne shares how she turned creativity and resilience into a thriving care…

Sliding Doors Moments: From Chocolate to Celebrancy and Safari Dreams 🎙️ Welcome to our first special bonus episode, where we celebrate the incredible "sliding doors" moments from our guests - those life-defining events that remind us why stepping out of the classroom can lead to extraordinary experiences. This week, we revisit the heartfelt storie…

In todays episode of The Pit Pony Podcast, we sit down with Lee Springett, a former secondary school teacher who made the leap from the classroom into the charity sector. After 12 years in teaching, Lee didn’t leave because of burnout or a critical incident - he left because of a gut feeling and a reflective process that changed his perspective on …

In this deeply introspective episode of the Pit Pony Podcast, Sharon and Sarah sit down with Gareth Isaac, a former sociology teacher who left the classroom after 4 years - overwhelmed by exhaustion, stress, and a profound sense of disconnection. Gareth candidly shares how he navigated the physical and emotional toll of burnout, his struggle to rec…

In this final episode of 2024, we welcome Jane Lloyd—a former teacher of 14 years who traded in the classroom for a paintbrush and a new lease on life. Jane’s story is a perfect way to close out the year: a tale of transformation, resilience, and the power of pursuing what truly lights you up. After years of dedicating herself to teaching art in sc…

Welcome to a very special Christmas special 5 part episode of the Pit Pony Podcast. In this first chapter of Jonny Millard’s compelling story, we meet an ambitious young history teacher from the Midlands. With dreams of becoming a headteacher, Jonny entered the profession full of passion, eager to make a difference and climb the ranks of leadership…

In Chapter 2 of Jonny Millard's story, we follow his move to a new school with high hopes and ambition. However, unforeseen changes in leadership and department dynamics quickly create a challenging environment. Jonny shares how the arrival of a new head of history marked the beginning of a steady decline in his motivation and mental health. Throug…

In Chapter 3, Jonny Millard takes a courageous step as he reaches out for help, sharing his growing struggles with colleagues and leadership. Determined to salvage the passion he once had for teaching, Jonny recounts his desperate attempts to address the toxic environment that was taking a toll on his mental health. As the story unfolds, Jonny pain…

In Chapter 4 of Jonny Millard’s story, we delve into one of the most harrowing aspects of his teaching career: the systemic barriers preventing him from leaving a toxic work environment. As Jonny recounts, the reliance on references and the coercive control exerted by his academy left him feeling trapped, unable to secure a fresh start despite his …

In this final chapter of Jonny Millard’s gripping story, we witness his extraordinary transformation from being trapped in a toxic work environment to thriving as a successful entrepreneur. Jonny shares how he found freedom after leaving teaching, rediscovering his purpose and channeling his drive into building a thriving business. Through sheer de…

In this heart-wrenching yet uplifting episode of the Pit Pony Podcast, we sit down with Hannah Jones, a former teacher whose passion for education carried her from the classroom to an extraordinary role as Head of Prison Education for England and Wales. Hannah’s story is one of resilience, determination, and transformation. With a family background…

After 17 years in education, Rae Dillon made a bold decision to leave the classroom and step into a whole new world. In this episode, Rae shares her fascinating journey from teaching in the UK and China to becoming a successful copywriter, editor, and proofreader with her own business. Discover how teaching abroad gave Rae a unique perspective on e…

After 11 years in the classroom, Nicole Bateman left teaching in 2021, seeking a new way to align her career with her family's needs and her personal passions. Today, she’s thriving as the Friendly SEND Advisor, making children’s activities more inclusive for those with special educational needs. Nicole shares her powerful journey, including the li…

After 14 years in teaching, from secondary English to primary leadership roles, Amy Meade’s journey out of the classroom is remarkable. Amy candidly shares the burnout that came with Ofsted pressures, the life-changing realisation that school didn’t have to own her, and how she stepped into a new career as a Learning and Development Manager. Throug…

Today, we’re joined by Rowena Hicks, who dedicated over 30 years to her role as a Deputy Head Teacher and SENCO in the London-Kent area. Teaching was Rowena's life - it was her passion, her calling, and she gave it her all, right up until the moment her own health signalled it was time to step back. Rowena opens up about the physical and emotional …

In this episode, we sit down with Helen Taylor, a former history teacher whose dedication to education was undeniable. Helen spent 18 years in teaching, finding joy in her students and a deep sense of purpose in the classroom. For years, she believed teaching was her lifelong path, pouring her energy and resources into her role. But after a gruelli…

In this episode of the Pit Pony Podcast, we speak to the inspirational James Terry. James describes himself as “born to teach.” From his first work experience as a teacher in school, he knew it was his calling. For six years, he found joy and purpose in the classroom, creating an environment that felt like home. But after moving to a new school, Ja…

In this compelling episode, we meet Vicky Thurkettle, a teacher who found more than a career in the classroom - she found purpose, family, and what she believed was her path for life. Known for her unwavering dedication, Vicky poured her heart into her work, shaping young lives and embracing each day as part of her own. But after returning from mat…

In this unexpected, laugh-out-loud bonus episode, we bring you a real-life message exchange from a loyal Pit Pony podcast listener who found herself in the most ridiculous situation - sitting at school pickup, having a peaceful moment with her egg roll, and then—bam!—hit by a car. You seriously can't make this up. Listen to the hilarious back-and-f…

Hey everyone! Welcome to our pre, pre, pre-episode of the Pit Pony Podcast! We're sat here, Sunday 20th of October, 2024. So, why are we here today? Well, we’ve been planning The Pit Pony Podcast! We're talking to members of our Life After Teaching group about their incredible journeys out of the classroom, and we were all geared up to post about i…