Claim OwnershipThe Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching
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© 2025 The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching
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Sharon Cawley and Sarah Dunwood talk to former teachers about exiting from the classroom and thriving.
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23 Episodes
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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 what the next 20 years could look like.Lee takes us through the creation of his “list of non-negotiables,” his year-long exit strategy, and the 75 ...
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 recognise what was happening to him, and the journey that followed his decision to leave teaching.Now a mindfulness teacher, Gareth explains how mindf...
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 schools, Jane decided she was done with the stress and exhaustion that teaching brought into her life. In July 2024, she stepped away from her vocatio...
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 determination and resilience, Jonny turned his skills as a teacher and leader into the foundation of a highly profitable and impactful fire safety com...
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 best efforts.With incredible vulnerability, Jonny shares the devastating loss of his grandfather and the emotional turmoil of navigating a job inte...
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 paints a vivid picture of his internal battle, the systemic issues within his school, and the harsh realities of a profession that often fails to suppor...
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. Through microaggressions, a lack of support, and poor management, his workplace became increasingly toxic, leaving him questioning his abilities and self-...
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. But by 2019, his journey had taken an unexpected turn.Through this introduction to Jonny’s career, we uncover the early years of his teaching path...
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 rooted in education and years of teaching both abroad and in the UK, Hannah believed her future lay firmly in the classroom. However, a series of p...
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 education, why two and a half days of supply teaching confirmed her decision to leave the UK system, and how she transformed her love of writing into...
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 life-altering incident that shook her confidence, her struggles with balancing work and family, and how she transformed adversity into opportunity. Di...
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. Through over 400 job applications, Amy’s resilience and adaptability are an inspiration to anyone contemplating a leap into life after teaching...
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 toll of being a people-pleaser in the world of education. From pushing through chronic stress to the realisation that her relentless work ethic was ...
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 gruelling stint with new pressures, overwhelming workloads, and the unrelenting demands of a system that left her burned out, Helen made the life-changing ...
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, James lasted only four terms before he handed his resignation to the head’s PA, never looking back.Join us as we follow James’s journey through the ne...
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 maternity leave, everything changed. Within just seven weeks, she made the unimaginable decision to leave the career she thought she’d never step away ...
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-forth of Whatsapp messages, full of classic Pit Pony encouragement, a few teary moments, and the ultimate "you had to be there" twist.&nbs...
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 it... until Facebook threw us in jail. Yep, we’ve been “restricted” and can’t even post in our own group!But here’s the thing – we’re launching our p...
In this episode, we flip the script as Sharon interviews Sarah about her own pit pony journey! Sarah takes us back to her 24-year teaching career, all the ‘heads’ she’s held (literally all of them, except her own sometimes), and what it felt like when that life came to a sudden, brutal stop. We dive into the messy aftermath, from grappling with the financial fallout to Sarah’s "Netflix, crisps, and sofa phase." And yes, her son had to adult her for a bit. Spoiler: it involves writing lists an...
In this episode, we’re thrilled to share Sharon's incredible journey from teacher to seven-figure business owner! 🎉 Sharon opens up about her transition from the classroom, where she once felt trapped as a “pit pony,” to building Conexus Tuition, a thriving business helping students and franchisees all across the UK.We dive into the highs, lows, and everything in between – from those early days of driving around in her Ford Mondeo for tutoring sessions to scaling her business into a national ...
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