Listen now: Award-winning headteacher Rosie Pugh shares an inspiring local story

News Direct, the podcast has released a new episode featuring Rosie Pugh, a widely respected former headteacher whose life and career span decades of education in North Lincolnshire. Listen on YouTube or Spotify.

Hosted by Cllr Rob Waltham, the episode traces Rosie’s journey from a challenging childhood in Scunthorpe – growing up in a large, blended family with very little money – to becoming an influential school leader known for raising expectations, developing staff, and helping children thrive in difficult circumstances.

In a frank and often humorous conversation, Rosie reflects on being underestimated at school, the importance of self-belief, and the impact a teacher’s words can have for life. She also shares what it took to build strong teams, improve behaviour, and take on leadership roles in schools where recruitment and retention were tough – including stepping in when others wouldn’t.

Cllr Waltham, host of News Direct, the podcast, said: “Rosie is exactly the kind of person this podcast is for – someone who’s done great things, quietly, right here in our communities. Her story is honest, grounded, and properly inspiring.”

Rosie told the podcast: “People are often capable of far more than they realise – but confidence doesn’t appear by magic. It grows when someone backs you, trains you, and says: ‘you can do this.’ I hope listeners take that away – especially younger women who might not yet see what’s possible for them.”