Nicola Noble

Deputy CEO, Big Education Trust

Nicola worked at Surrey Square Primary School, part of the Big Education Trust, from 2006 until July 2025. At Surrey Square, a different vision for education came to life through their ‘more than a school’ approach—working from the core (with a focus on wellbeing, relationships, skills and values) to help the community thrive and build a better world. Now Deputy CEO of Big Education Trust, Nicola continues to shape and lead work across the organisation. Passionate about wellbeing, shaped by her own life experiences, she leads initiatives that support staff, pupils, families, and the wider community, including as part of the team that founded the Old Kent Road Family Zone. She believes in developing capacity and has coached and trained extensively in leadership. Nicola balances her work with life as a mum to three amazing children.

Hall 11a

1 Series four

Listening to parents: Strengthening school communities through collaboration

This session explores how schools are engaging with parents to forge effective partnership in children's education. Speakers from Eko Trust and Big Education Trust will share their approaches to building inclusive, community-rooted relationships with families. Nicola Noble will reflect on Surrey Square Primary School’s Old Kent Road Family Zone project and its impact on local engagement, and Rebekah Iiyambo will highlight in-depth work with parents and carers to foster a deep sense of belonging through an inclusive and active listening approach. You’ll leave with grounded insights and practical ideas to consider and adapt in your own school communities.