Alex Russell

I have led Bourne Education Trust since its inception. Previously, I was headteacher of Epsom and Ewell High School in Surrey and The Beaconsfield School in Buckinghamshire. I have been a National Leader of Education and Chair of Surrey County Council’s Inclusion Roundtable, which is at the forefront of the county’s work to improve equality, diversity and inclusion across all educational phases. In 2024, I co-founded the charity, AI in Education, a national charity supporting schools and colleges to use artificial intelligence safely, ethically and effectively.

I am proud to have led Bourne Education Trust through its journey from a school improvement specialist to the broad, collaborative and outward-facing organisation it is today - one that learns and works without borders.

As the world changes rapidly, particularly through the expansion of AI and digital technologies, we recognise the responsibility we have to ensure our pupils are prepared for the workplaces, opportunities and challenges of the 2030s. This means combining strong academic foundations with digital fluency, ethical awareness, creativity and adaptability.

As a trust, we firmly believe that every child deserves a great education. We therefore represent all areas of the sector - early years, primary, secondary, specialist and alternative provision. This breadth gives us a rich ecosystem of expertise in which pupils and staff learn from, and with, one another, strengthening our collective offer.

Central to our success is our investment in people. Inclusion, belonging and professional growth. We are committed not only to developing our colleagues but also to ensuring they thrive in supportive, purposeful environments where innovation is encouraged. This includes our growing commitment to sustainability - both in how we manage and improve our estates and in how we teach our pupils to understand their role in contributing to a greener, more secure future.

I want everyone in our organisation to flourish and feel proud of the difference they make. That ambition guides us, every single day.