Ann Palmer FCCT – CEO of Fig Tree International

Ann Palmer has over 30 years experience in inner-city schools and established a background in leading and turning around schools in challenging circumstances. Her exposure within the wider aspects of education has been both broad and diverse. She held headship roles in large, culturally-diverse schools in both primary and secondary phases. She is described as “a leader who leads with flair and vision” and is described as “inspirational”. She was an experienced tutor on the NPQH programme, is an accredited Coach, and has been a key note speaker for a variety of organisations including the SSAT and the National College of Teaching and Leadership. Ann has a wealth of experience, having worked with governors, local authorities, the Department for Education as a School Improvement Partner, and universities in the UK and internationally. She mentors/supports/coaches and appraises principals and trains professionals in the teaching profession. She is a facilitator on the NPQEL programme and a member of the National Governance Association’s (NGA) Diversity and Equalities Advisory Group. Ann is the founder of the ‘Confident Executive Leadership’ programme for black and Asian leaders, in addition to overseeing the accredited RACE Charter Mark for schools and colleges. She is the CEO of Fig Tree International and a Managing Director with the Federation of Independent Schools. She is an experienced school governor. Ann was awarded Freedom of the City of London in 2010.