Alison Bickle

B.Eng Manufacturing Systems Engineering / Postgraduate Certificate in Education in ICT and Sport/Games / National Professional Qualification for Headship

“I wholeheartedly believe in the Trust values of ‘Work hard, be kind, choose wisely’.  The fantastic staff and students are what makes our Trust unique.”

I am the Principal at The de Ferrers Academy and lead a highly qualified and experienced team to ensure that students receive high-quality education which is supported by a well-balanced curriculum, taught by hard working and dedicated staff.   I am passionate about getting things right for the staff, genuinely believing that if leaders look after their staff, staff are more able to look after the students.  I believe that positivity breeds positivity and that with a ‘can do’ attitude aspirations can be realised.  Communication is key to successful partnerships and I work hard to ensure that all stakeholders feel part of the de Ferrers community.

I have had a number of leadership roles at de Ferrers since 2002, specialising in Teaching and Learning, Post-16, Human Resources, Appraisal, Induction and Staffing. Having been at the academy for a significant number of years, I feel I know what makes de Ferrers ‘tick’. I was part of the team that led the successful acquisition of the Sixth Form Campus in 2018 and have also supported two schools in Staffordshire leading on school improvement.

I was a Principal Examiner for OCR ICT and have co-authored two vocational text books.  Prior to de Ferrers, I worked for seven years in an inner-city school in Birmingham, teaching PE and ICT whilst having responsibility for Careers and Vocational education at KS5.

My Bachelor of Engineering degree is in Manufacturing Systems and I worked at the Ford Motor Company in both the UK and Germany.  I gained the National Professional Qualification for Headship in 2017.  Outside of work, I love walking, open water swimming and scuba diving.