<p>In this enriching episode, Liz Robinson, CEO of Big Education in the UK, shares her expansive vision for equitable education, emphasising the importance of holistic approaches, community engagement, and systemic change. Liz and Tim discuss practical strategies and inspiring stories that highlight how to create inclusive, resourceful, and student-centred learning environments.</p><p><br></p><p>You can find more on Big Education&#39;s multi-academy trust <a href="https://bigeducation.org/our-story/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a> and their Enrichment for All coalition <a href="https://bigeducation.org/enrichment-for-all/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.</p><p><br></p><p>A great overview of the enrichment gaps faced by UK students, and the change the coalition is seeking to see can be found in their recent report <a href="https://www.dofe.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DofE_external-benchmarks_report.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Enrichment for All: Benchmarks to build belonging, skills and opportunity</a>. </p><p><br></p><p>Tim referenced Australian data and research regarding access to enrichment activities and the equity gap in Australia, including that <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-kids-whod-get-the-most-out-of-extracurricular-activities-are-missing-out-heres-how-to-improve-access-169447" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">one-third of Australian children</a> in low-income suburbs do not take part in any extracurricular activities compared to 13% from higher-income suburbs.  This is despite the known benefits of engagement in <a href="https://www.utas.edu.au/about/news-and-stories/articles/2022/extracurricular-activities-help-drive-academic-success-for-regional-students,-study-finds" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">these activities</a>.</p><p><br></p><p>Liz shared her experience of leading multi-academy trusts, which are currently being explore in the Australian context through a trial by the <a href="https://decyp.tas.gov.au/about-us/strategies-and-frameworks/tasmanian-education-system-reform/tasmanian-multi-school-organisation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tasmanian Department of Education</a> supported by <a href="https://mckinnon.co/policy-innovation/education" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">McKinnon Foundation</a>. </p>