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How Going Phone-Free Increased Student Focus and Improved School Culture with Damian McBeath

An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast

Release Date: 03/11/2025

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In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, I'm joined by Damian McBeath, Principal of the John Wallis Church of England Academy. As an experienced school leader and author, Damian brings a wealth of knowledge on education reform, leadership, and the evolving role of schools in shaping students beyond academics.

During our discussion, Damian and I discussed how schools can foster whole-child development through experiential learning and why reducing digital distractions has become essential for student engagement. We also discuss his experience testifying before the UK Parliament on phone-free policies and the cultural transformation his school has undergone.

If you're a school leader, educator, or someone interested in shaping the future of education, don't miss this insightful conversation with Damian McBeath.

Here are the key takeaways:

  • The Expanding Horizons Initiative – Damian explains how structured experiential learning opportunities help students develop life skills, emotional intelligence, and resilience.

  • The Impact of Phone-Free Schools – Lessons from implementing a mobile phone ban, how students and teachers have responded, and the broader implications for education policy.

  • Leadership & Cultural Shifts – The importance of building trust, engaging stakeholders, and leading change with transparency and empathy.

Listen to the full episode to hear my conversation with Damian McBeath about his leadership journey and the transformative policies shaping education today.

Listening Links:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26Y4nEEwL9mLzrxUh17NWf
 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/an-imperfect-leader-the-superintendents/id1644897856
 Podcast Site: https://imperfectleader.com/podcasts/

Follow Our Guest Damian McBeath on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damian-mcbeath-82903583/
Twitter: https://x.com/damianmcbeath
Website: https://uk.bettshow.com/speakers/damian-mcbeath

Follow the Host Peter Stiepleman on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/
 Website: https://imperfectleader.com/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/animperfectleader/
 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@animperfectleader

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An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by Yondr.
Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health.
Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal.
Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day.
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Go to https://www.overyondr.com/ to learn more.

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An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at https://imperfectleader.com/