Sam Parrett

Dr Sam Parrett CBE is an experienced CEO and Principal, whose drive and determination to improve education across London and the south east has resulted in the expansion of high-quality pathways and outcomes for learners.

Sam was appointed principal of Bromley College in 2010, overseeing a merger with Orpington College the following year. In 2016, she led the country’s first three-way College merger, bringing together Bromley College, Bexley College and Greenwich Community College to form London South East Colleges.

Sam also established a successful Multi Academy Trust in 2013 – London South East Academies Trust – which now includes seven alternative provision and special schools and one mainstream school across Bromley, Bexley and most recently, Surrey.

College success rates have risen steadily each year, with record numbers of students passing their vocational qualifications. Ofsted rated the College as Good in March 2019 and it was named Overall FE provider of the Year at the TES FE Awards 2021, as well as receiving a Social Value Award for Public Sector Leadership. Sam was named TES FE Leader of the Year in 2020 and the College was also awarded the prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize in 2020.

This year Sam was awarded a CBE for Services to Education, building on the OBE she was presented with in 2016. These honours reflect the work Sam is doing across the sector, positively impacting many people’s lives throughout the region and beyond.

Sam achieved a PhD in FE Policy in 2019 and currently sits on the Board of the Association of Colleges and is an elected member of the CBI London Council. She is a fellow of the CIPD, RSA and the Chartered Institution of Further Education. Sam is also a designated National Leader of Further Education and undertakes improvement work across the sector, including the mentoring and coaching of new and aspiring principals.