BlueSky Educational Presents
Back to School with Nathan Hutchings
A new podcast unpacking the school years that made us — and the changes education needs now.
What do our school days really teach us? And how should education evolve to prepare young people for the challenges of today’s world?
In Back to School with Nathan Hutchings, host Nathan Hutchings invites high-profile guests to revisit the school years that shaped them. From comedians and actors to entrepreneurs, athletes, and business leaders, each guest reflects on the lessons, challenges, and inspirations that defined their education — and explores how schools must evolve to meet the demands of a modern world.
Join us for honest, inspiring, and often humorous conversations about confidence, creativity, resilience, and ambition — and discover fresh ideas for reimagining education for today’s learners.
Nathan Hutchings - Podcaster & Educator
Episode One
Johnny Vegas — Finding Your Voice in the Classroom
What happens when a shy schoolboy grows up to become one of the UK’s most distinctive comedy voices?
In this episode of Back to School with Nathan Hutchings, comedian Johnny Vegas looks back on his own school years — the teachers who shaped him, the moments that knocked his confidence, and the sparks of creativity that helped him find his voice.
From funny classroom memories to honest reflections on how education supports (and sometimes stifles) individuality, Johnny shares a personal journey that highlights the importance of confidence, encouragement, and creativity in the classroom.
🎧 Listen now to hear Johnny Vegas unpack his school days — and his thoughts on what education needs to look like for the next generation.
Episode Two
Dale Vince — From Outsider to Green Energy Pioneer
What does it mean to be an outsider at school — and how can education better serve those who don’t fit the mould?
In this episode, entrepreneur and founder of Ecotricity, Dale Vince, revisits his unconventional school days. He shares how a lack of connection to the traditional system shaped his journey — and how resilience, curiosity, and a determination to do things differently led him to become a pioneer in green energy.
Dale offers powerful insights into how education can evolve to support individuality, sustainability, and the skills young people need for a fast-changing world.
🎧 Listen as Dale Vince unpacks his school story — and explores the urgent changes education needs to face the future.
Episode Three
Ken Stott — Creativity, Confidence, and the Classroom
How does school shape an actor’s journey?
In this episode of Back to School with Nathan Hutchings, acclaimed actor Ken Stott reflects on his own educational path — from early struggles to the moments that gave him the confidence to step into the spotlight.
Ken discusses the role of creativity in the classroom, the importance of inspiring teachers, and why schools must nurture imagination as much as information.
🎧 Tune in to hear Ken Stott revisit his school years — and share his thoughts on how education can better prepare young people for life on and off the stage.
Episode Four
Daisy May Cooper — Laughter, Resilience, and Lessons Learned
From drama school rejection to BAFTA-winning comedy success, Daisy May Cooper has lived the highs and lows of education.
In this episode of Back to School with Nathan Hutchings, Daisy shares candid memories of her school years, the struggles that tested her resilience, and the sparks of creativity that carried her through. With humour and honesty, she explores how education can better nurture talent, individuality, and self-belief.
🎧 Join Daisy May Cooper as she revisits her school days — and reflects on what education needs to do differently for young creatives.
Episode Five
Bruce Grobbelaar — Discipline, Determination, and the Game of Life
What role does school play in shaping a world-class goalkeeper?
Legendary Liverpool and Zimbabwean international Bruce Grobbelaar reflects on his school years and the lessons that prepared him — and sometimes failed him — for life on and off the pitch.
In this episode, Bruce shares stories of discipline, determination, and resilience, offering insights into how education and sport can work together to develop confidence, teamwork, and leadership.
🎧 Hear Bruce Grobbelaar revisit the classrooms and playing fields that shaped his extraordinary journey.
Episode Six
Cleo Lake — Culture, Identity, and Education for Change
Artist, activist, and former Lord Mayor of Bristol Cleo Lake takes us back to her own school experiences — and the way they shaped her passion for culture, justice, and community.
In this episode, Cleo reflects on representation in the classroom, the importance of identity, and how education can play a vital role in building inclusive, forward-looking societies.
🎧 Listen as Cleo Lake shares her educational journey — and her vision for schools that embrace diversity and drive change.
Episode Seven
Sam Heughan — Finding Confidence and Creativity on the Way to Stardom
Best known as Jamie Fraser in Outlander, actor Sam Heughan wasn’t always centre stage.
In this episode, Sam looks back on his school days in Scotland, the challenges of finding his place, and the mentors who encouraged him to pursue a creative path. He discusses how education can unlock confidence, nurture talent, and inspire ambition in young people.
🎧 Join Sam Heughan as he reflects on the school years that shaped him — and the role education plays in building resilience and creativity.
Episode Eight
Dr Diane Savory — Business, Innovation, and Rethinking the Classroom
Business leader and former Chair of the GFirst Local Enterprise Partnership, Dr Diane Savory OBE, brings a fresh perspective on how schools prepare young people for the future world of work.
In this episode, Diane reflects on her own school journey and the lessons that influenced her career in fashion, business, and leadership. She shares why education must evolve to spark innovation, encourage entrepreneurship, and equip young people with the skills employers truly need.
🎧 Hear Dr Diane Savory unpack her school story — and her vision for education that keeps pace with a changing economy.