Marva Rollins

Marva retired from the role of headteacher in August 2019 after 25 years of leading two primary schools in inner city boroughs in London.  She continues to work closely with schools leaders and middle leaders in defining and executing their strategic and operational roles.

For over past 30 years, Marva has played a key role in increasing the percentage of Black Heritage leaders in education through co-writing and leading a series of national programmes through the National College, the Institute of Education, NUT/NEU and other organisations. Her company also leads coaching programmes for future leaders in confidence building and all aspects preparation the successful interviews. She is a schools’ reviewer and trainer in Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. She is a regular conference speaker. She is also the lay member for Independent Medical Faculty (IMF).

Marva has served the community for over 45 years, and is a founder member of a number of community groups including the Sickle Cell Society, East London Black Women Organisation and the African-Caribbean Community Centre in Newham.  She is currently a trustee of a number of charities which includes ‘Success Club’ which works with students, in schools and the community, on motivation and mindfulness. She is a patron of The Reach Society, a social enterprise, at the forefront of inspiring Black young people by giving them access to a wide range of professionals, entrepreneurs and leaders, nd a patron of Enfield Caribbean Association.  She has been a governor for 40+ years and is currently a governor of 3 schools; two of which meets the needs of pupils with neuro-diverse identities.

Marva has been the recipient of a number of awards; recognising her contribution to education and the community: these include an honorary degree from the original College of Teachers; the Windrush Education Champion; The Barbados government 50th Independence Award  in 2017 and an OBE  in January 2018, both for her contribution to education and the community. In 2009 the Evening Standard named Marva as one of the 1000 most influential people in London; and in 2011 she was featured in the Metro’s top 50 Black Heroes.