Group CEO
Dr Sam Parrett CBE is an experienced CEO and Principal, whose drive and determination to improve education across London and South East England has resulted in the expansion of high-quality pathways and outcomes for learners across mainstream, special, further, higher, adult and apprenticeship education. She was appointed as a National Leader of Further Education in 2020 and coaches new and aspiring CEOs in the sector.
Since being appointed as Principal of Bromley College in 2010, she led a merger with Orpington College, Bexley College and Greenwich Community College to form London South East Colleges in 2016. Sam also established London South East Academies Trust in 2013 – a 20-school growing MAT across primary, secondary, Alternative Provision and Special in South London, Kent, Sussex and Surrey.
The unique Group structure she established operates as an award winning social enterprise. Her work exemplifies civic leadership and the transformative power of education in building resilient, thriving communities. She is especially passionate about supporting SEND and disadvantaged learners to thrive, and has worked closely with the Princes Trust for 25 years. She also established the FE Foodbank and Good For Me Good for FE National Awards.
Ofsted rated the College as Good in October 2024, 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 in 2021. Sam was named TES FE Leader of the Year, and the College was also awarded the prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize in 2020. In 2024 London South East Academies Trust was named as Trust of the Year in the national TES Schools Awards.
In recognition of Sam’s contribution to education and her work in SEND and mainstream schools, she was awarded a CBE in 2021, following the OBE she received in 2016 for her services to further education. These honours reflect the work Sam is doing across the sector, positively impacting many people’s lives throughout the region and beyond.
Sam holds a PhD in Education Policy Analysis and is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD, a Fellow of the Chartered Institution of Further Education and a Leadership Fellow at St George’s House, Windsor Castle. Sam is also the Senior Independent Governor at the University of Kent and a Board Member of the Education and Training Foundation.
The expenses of the Group Principal and CEO of London & South East Education Group can be seen here.
