Nadine Bernard – Headteacher and CEO of Aspiring Heads

Nadine Bernard, CEO of Aspiring Heads and headteacher at Van Gogh Primary School in South London, is a passionate advocate for diversity in education. Once recognised as the youngest Black headteacher in England, she is focused on creating pathways for Black educators to step into leadership roles.

Through Aspiring Heads, she has developed programmes that provide mentorship, training, and support for Black teachers, helping them navigate the challenges of school leadership.

Beyond her professional life, Nadine is a wife and mother to three boys, balancing her family commitments with her dedication to making a difference in education. Her efforts have earned her recognition, including being named one of the Women To Watch in 2022, winning the Excellence in Education in 2023, Best Mentor of the Year 2024 and Outstanding Educator in Education 2025. Most recently, Nadine’s new book Your Leadership Matters: Empowering Educators of the Global Majority and Allies, became a No.1 best seller.