41. Removing barriers, changing lives with Krystian Liptrot (CEO of Life Changing Education)

Bedrock Talks from Bedrock Learning

The education system is at breaking point. With unprecedented exclusion rates and 44,000 teachers leaving the profession last year alone, something has to change. Enter Krystian Liptrot, CEO of Life Changing Education (LCE), who's pioneering an approach so revolutionary it deserves your full attention.
When host, Andy, visited LCE's facilities in North Manchester, he was struck by something remarkable: dozens of previously disengaged students looking him in the eye, confidently saying, "Good morning." These weren't just any students, but those on the brink of permanent exclusion or who hadn't attended school for months. And yet, the atmosphere was electric with possibility.
Krystian's vision stems from personal experience and a deep reflection on our educational landscape. "We've got to change what education is," he explains, describing a three-stage model that starts with demonstrating effective pupil-facing education, moves to supporting mainstream schools through free consultancy and mental health resources, and ultimately aims to disrupt the entire sector.
What separates LCE from traditional alternative provision is their commitment to personalisation over mere differentiation. Their network includes dedicated facilities for various passions - a professional recording studio, a fully-functioning salon, multiple gyms, and an art gallery - each designed to show students they can excel. This isn't about criticising schools; it's about recognising that while current systems may work for many, they can fail others catastrophically.
The results speak volumes: over 1,000 qualifications achieved by students previously labeled "disruptive"; dramatic reductions in permanent exclusions across partner schools; and young people requesting to attend even on inset days. All built on what Krystian calls 'the kindness principle' - no raised voices, just compassion and clear expectations.
Want to witness how education can truly transform lives when reimagined from first principles? Follow Krystian's work - you'll never look at our education system the same way again.

Krystian Liptrot is the CEO of Life Changing Education, an innovative educational inclusion service that partners with mainstream schools to re-engage disaffected young learners. Under his leadership, LCE offers short-term, part-time placements that help pupils rebuild a positive relationship with education. Krystian’s work focuses not only on supporting students to overcome barriers to learning but also on strengthening the inclusion capacity of schools and local authorities across the region. His mission is clear: to create aspirational, inclusive environments where every young person has the chance to succeed.

Chapters

1. Introduction to Christian Liptrot (00:00:00)

2. The Journey to Life Changing Education (00:02:31)

3. Rethinking Educational Priorities (00:07:14)

4. The LCE Three-Stage Model (00:15:03)

5. Creating Specialized Learning Environments (00:23:10)

6. The Kindness Principle in Action (00:31:40)

7. Literacy as the Foundation for Success (00:38:09)

8. Concluding Thoughts and Impact (00:42:41)