Alison Colwell

Alison has 32 years of educational experience. She joined Orbital in September 2019, having spent over 20 years as a senior leader in the UK, working to turn around failing schools in inner London and north Kent. Her passion for school improvement, and belief in every child’s potential and their right to receive an excellent education, is documented in her recent book, “No Excuses: Turning around one of Britain’s toughest schools”.

Prior to becoming a teacher, Alison worked for 4 years as a police officer in one of London’s most economically and socially disadvantaged areas.

Under her leadership BIC Sa Porrassa has gone from strength to strength, and is characterised by outstanding teaching, a calm and purposeful atmosphere, excellent exam results and a friendly, inclusive and welcoming culture. (If this bit doesn’t fit no worries - do you want something else about me or what I care about?? Why I left the police? Don’t know what the others are writing!)