Ally is a founding alumna of Teach First (2003), and an experienced educationalist and leader, who lives in Bristol. She is a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching and also of the RSA.

Ally has been in education for 21 years, and in senior leader positions for the last 17; working in schools internationally, as well as in both urban and rural contexts in the UK. She is also an experienced free school developer; founding one in London, rated outstanding by Ofsted, and one which recently opened in Bristol. She has a particular passion for curriculum and careers, and has worked with Ark and Oasis multi-academy trusts on national curriculum design and implementation, and Bristol City Council’s Learning City Partnership on careers progression for young people aged 16-25 across the city.

She is currently Head of Leadership Development at Academies Enterprise Trust, focusing on the recruitment, onboarding, and development of high quality senior and executive leadership across their 57 schools and central team, and consulting into the education team on network and improvement strategy.

When not at work, Ally enjoys ballet, yoga and cold water swimming; going to restaurants and the theatre; and travelling the world. She is proud to sit on the Boards of Clifton College and the Tobacco Factory Theatre in Bristol, of her Advanced Diving Qualification, and of her energetic and curious 2 year old, Alexander.