The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching

• 044 - Pit Pony Pete Scholes - Classroom to Driving Instructor & Author

  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 unraveling, leading to mass staff turnover, a loss of trust, and ultimately, his own departure. Now a successful driving instructor and published author, Pete talks openly about depression, rediscovering confidence, and the transferable skills that still shape his life today.✨ It’s a powerful reminder that when one door closes, others truly do open – sometimes with a pen in one hand and car keys in the other.📚 Links to Pete’s books can be found here Don’t miss this one.Send us a message.Buy Us a Coffee ☕️ Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:You can send us a voice message EASILY, whether it be a question, comment, review or anything you like! And if we like it, we'll feature your message on an upcoming episode.https://www.speakpipe.com/pitponypodcast If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in our podcast there are organisations who can help (click to access their webpages): Education Support The Samaritans Mind Andy's Man Club Join Us: Hit subscribe to the Pit Pony Podcast so you don’t miss future episodes – we’ve got some brilliant stories coming up from teachers wh...

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• 043 - Pit Pony Rob Newlands - Classroom to Financial Planner - Part 2

  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 closed doors, a desperate call to his GP, and the realisation that he had to leave the profession to survive.Rob shares the raw truth about what it feels like to hit rock bottom - the shame, the self-doubt, and the guilt so many teachers carry when they can no longer keep going. But this is also a story of recovery, purpose, and the surprising path he found on the other side of education.This episode is a lifeline for anyone who’s been made to feel they’re “not enough,” despite giving everything they had. If you've ever questioned your worth, your resilience, or your ability to start again - Rob’s story is for you.Useful links :Facebook: Rob Newlands- Financial Planner | FalmouthInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/robnewlands.dswm/Dean Stevens Wealth Management: https://www.deanstevenswm.co.uk/Send us a message.Buy Us a Coffee ☕️ Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:You can send us a voice message EASILY, whether it be a question, comment, review or anything you like! And if we like it, we'll feature your message on an upcoming episode.https://www.speakpipe.com/pitponypodcast If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in our podcast there are organisations who can help (click to access their webpages): Education Support The Samaritans Mind Andy's Man Club Join Us: Hit subscribe to the Pit Pony Podcast so you don’t miss future episodes – we’ve got some brilliant stories coming up from teachers wh...

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• 042 - Pit Pony Rob Newlands - Classroom to Financial Planner - Part 1

  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 job he signed up for. From day one, Rob was met with missing policies, no induction, and the expectation to lead full-time while also teaching full-time… and that was just the start.In Part 1, Rob walks us through the impossible conditions he faced - covering everything from safeguarding and site maintenance to the challenges of running a school with rising SEND needs and no structural support. His story is a raw and powerful account of what happens when passionate leaders are left to sink or swim with no safety net.This episode shines a light on systemic failings, the mental toll of unsupported leadership, and the unravelling that can occur when cries for help go unanswered. Rob’s honesty and humility make this an unforgettable listen.Rob's links :Facebook: Rob Newlands- Financial Planner | FalmouthInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/robnewlands.dswm/Dean Stevens Wealth Management: https://www.deanstevenswm.co.uk/Send us a message.Buy Us a Coffee ☕️ Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:You can send us a voice message EASILY, whether it be a question, comment, review or anything you like! And if we like it, we'll feature your message on an upcoming episode.https://www.speakpipe.com/pitponypodcast If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in our podcast there are organisations who can help (click to access their webpages): Education Support The Samaritans Mind Andy's Man Club Join Us: Hit subscribe to the Pit Pony Podcast so you don’t miss future episodes – we’ve got some brilliant stories coming up from teachers wh...

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• 041 - Pit Pony Kitty White - Classroom to Holiday Cottages Business Manager

  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 emotional toll teaching took on her, how she slowly rebuilt herself, and how she found new purpose (and peace) as the Business Development Manager of Cozy Holiday Cottages in the Yorkshire Dales.Her story is full of raw honesty, gentle humour, and hope - and reminds us that it’s never too late to choose yourself.Useful links :Website - https://cozyholidaycottages.co.uk/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cozyholidaycottages/- - - - - -💚 This episode is proudly sponsored by the National Teaching and Advisory Service (NTAS) a brilliant organisation supporting children and young people not in mainstream education through one-to-one teaching. If you’re a teacher looking for a more flexible, meaningful way to use your skills outside the classroom, NTAS are always looking for passionate professionals to join them.Send us a message.Buy Us a Coffee ☕️ Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:You can send us a voice message EASILY, whether it be a question, comment, review or anything you like! And if we like it, we'll feature your message on an upcoming episode.https://www.speakpipe.com/pitponypodcast If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in our podcast there are organisations who can help (click to access their webpages): Education Support The Samaritans Mind Andy's Man Club Join Us: Hit subscribe to the Pit Pony Podcast so you don’t miss future episodes – we’ve got some brilliant stories coming up from teachers wh...

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• 040 - Pit Pony Rachael Daniel - Classroom to Development Officer

  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 doubts that nearly held her back, and the surprising opportunities that opened up once she took the leap. She shares how she navigated financial fears, rediscovered her confidence, and built a career that aligns with her values and passions.Expect raw honesty, practical advice, and plenty of inspiration for anyone considering a major career shift. If you’re feeling stuck in a job that no longer serves you, Rachael’s story might just be the nudge you need.🎧 Listen now and get ready to rethink what’s possible.A big shout-out to our sponsor, Full of Beans! If you’re a teacher looking for a new direction but still want to make a difference in children's lives, Full of Beans could be the perfect opportunity. They offer sports and fitness coaching for kids, helping to build confidence, teamwork, and a love of movement. Whether you're looking for a full-time career shift or a flexible side hustle, Full of Beans is always on the lookout for passionate educators who want to inspire the next generation. Check them out in the show notes or visit their website HERE to learn more!Send us a message.Buy Us a Coffee ☕️ Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:You can send us a voice message EASILY, whether it be a question, comment, review or anything you like! And if we like it, we'll feature your message on an upcoming episode.https://www.speakpipe.com/pitponypodcast If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in our podcast there are organisations who can help (click to access their webpages): Education Support The Samaritans Mind Andy's Man Club Join Us: Hit subscribe to the Pit Pony Podcast so you don’t miss future episodes – we’ve got some brilliant stories coming up from teachers wh...

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