About Us

Alan was born in Hull and raised in East Yorkshire. After studying for a Degree in Genetics & Biochemistry at Nottingham University he went on to work in the Health Service as a Scientist. He then retrained and started his teaching career as a Science Teacher in Doncaster. Alan moved to Suffolk in 1997 and has held a number of senior leadership roles in the area and has supported other schools and partnerships. He is member of a number of trusts and has worked as a School Improvement Partner for the Local Authority.

He was Headteacher at Stoke High in Ipswich and led the local partnership of schools and colleges as it developed plans for a new 16-19 centre. The £72m project was delivered on time and under budget and Alan was appointed the first Principal at Suffolk One, a Sixth Form Academy, in 2009. Both Stoke High School and Suffolk One were graded “Outstanding” by Ofsted.

He lives in Suffolk and is married with three children. He enjoys sport and beekeeping.

Throughout Anna’s 34 years in teaching, she has taught across four local authorities, in many different schools. She has been a SENCo in three schools and Headteacher at two large urban primary schools.

Anna is currently CEO of Orwell Multi Academy Trust, a primary Trust with 6 schools in and around Ipswich.  Anna has a strong background in school improvement and was seconded to take a school out of special measures in Ipswich. She is an accredited National Leader of Education, and works to support other schools and Trusts through the Department for Education School Improvement Offer.

Anna is passionate about inclusion and ensuring that all children have access to the very highest quality educational provision.  She has strong links with Teach First and is currently the Chair of their National Schools Forum.

For over 30 years Colin worked as a Finance Director and Compliance Director amongst other roles in a career in Investment Management based in London and San Francisco. Colin retired in 2012 at 52 before a return to his hometown of Ipswich and a change of direction.

Colin became a Councillor on Ipswich Borough Council (Labour), and is Deputy Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Property.  Colin is also Chair of five Council trading companies; Ipswich Borough Assets Ltd (Property investment), Ipswich Borough Assets Developments Ltd (Property development), IPSERV Ltd (Traded services), IPSERV Direct Ltd (Traded services with Council), Handford Homes Ltd (House development company).

As well as being a Trustee of Raedwald Trust, Colin is also a Governor at Handford Hall School and an Observer on the Boards of the New Wolsey Theatre, The Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality and Ipswich Citizens Advice Bureau.

He is also a Director of Big Cheese Comedy Club Limited who promotion of comedy events through East Anglia and London, with clubs in Felixstowe and Colchester and an Ambassador for Volunteering Matters as well as being a lifelong supporter of Ipswich Town.

Rob brings a wealth of corporate, commercial and strategy development experience to the Raedwald Trust Board.  He has 30 years’ experience in the telecommunications industry and is now working as an independent consultant.

Rob is the non-exec chair of a fair-trade clothing social enterprise and a mentor to charity CEOs.