Reach Society
Reach Society
Marva Rollins OBE

Marva Rollins retired from the role of executive head teacher in August 2019 after almost 25 years of leading primary schools in two inner city boroughs in London. She has been the recipient of three awards which recognised her contribution to education and the community: an honorary degree from the College of Teachers; the Windrush Education Champions; and an OBE for her contribution to education in January 2017. 

In 2009 the Evening Standard named her as one of the 1000 most influential people in London; and in 2011 she was featured in the Metro’s top 50 Black Heroes. Marva is the director of Rollins Education Consultancy Ltd which aims to support and strengthen the leadership in schools by helping future leaders to prepare for the senior leadership interview process, confidence building, coaching and mentoring.

Marva has served the community for almost 40 years, and is a founder member of community groups such as the Sickle Cell Society, the East London Black Women Organisation (ELBWO) and the Newham African Caribbean Centre. She is currently a trustee of the Success Club a charity which works with students, in schools and the community, on motivation and mindfulness. 

Marva has played a key role in increasing the percentage of Black and minority ethnic (or BME) educators by being one of the lead facilitators on two key programmes for these teachers: Investing in Diversity and Equal Access to Promotion. Both programmes have empowered many BME teachers to enhance their skills and knowledge, challenge the status quo, and achieve their aims.

Marva is a passionate supporter of Reach Society, a social enterprise, at the forefront of inspiring Black young people by giving them access to a wider range of professionals, entrepreneurs and leaders in the Black community. She is the mother of 3 adult sons and a grandmother. Sojourner Truth (an African American emancipation pioneer) is one of her role models; and she considers the Special Olympics motto: “Lord Let me win but if I cannot win let me be brave in the attempt” one that we can all learn from.

Reach Society