About Me

Testimonial One
Testimonial for Donna London-Hill
from Line Manager – Director of Education Paul Lavis
Date Monday 12th May 2025

Donna’s coaching work within the trust has been nothing short of transformative. As her line manager, I have had the privilege of observing both the skill with which she approaches her role and the tangible impact she has on those she supports.

She brings a calm, insightful presence to her coaching relationships, creating a space where senior leaders feel genuinely heard, challenged, and supported. During a time of considerable change—restructuring, external inspections, and heightened pressures—Donna has become a crucial stabilising force. Leaders frequently report that their coaching sessions with her are the most valuable part of their professional development, helping them think clearly, act decisively, and lead with greater confidence and compassion.

Beyond individual growth, the ripple effect of Donna’s coaching is evident across teams and schools. Her influence is contributing to a more resilient, reflective leadership culture, which in turn is improving outcomes for staff and students alike.

I cannot overstate the value she brings to the trust. She is deeply respected, highly effective, and absolutely integral to our strategy for developing strong, emotionally intelligent leadership at all levels.

Testimonial Two
The name of the provider of the testimonial - Mr Ian Bartle
Their job title - Executive Headteacher
Their organisation - Sherborne Area Schools Trust
The date supplied - Tuesday 13th May 2025
and refer to you by your full name – Donna London-Hill

I am pleased to provide this formal testimonial in recognition of the exceptional support and guidance offered by our Church School Advisor - Donna London-Hill

Throughout her tenure, she has consistently demonstrated a highly professional and positive approach, offering encouragement and clarity in all aspects of her work. Her ability to engage with school leaders in a manner that is both uplifting and constructive has been invaluable. This has been particularly noted as Donna has supported several of my colleagues who are new to Senior Leadership (i.e. Heads of School).

Her caring and empathetic nature is evident in the relationships she builds. She takes time to understand the individual contexts of each school and provides support that is both thoughtful and bespoke. Her commitment to the wellbeing and development of headteachers is deeply appreciated and has had a tangible impact on leadership across our network.

She brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of the Church school sector. Her insights are always grounded in experience and delivered with clarity and purpose. Importantly, her advice is rooted in a realistic and pragmatic view of school development, ensuring that strategic planning is both aspirational and achievable.

Her contribution has been instrumental in supporting school improvement and leadership development. I am grateful for her dedication, professionalism, and the positive influence she continues to have on our school community.

Donna has been fundamental to multiple success several of my schools have had linked to SIAMS Inspection and I cannot thank her enough for everything she has contributed.

Testimonial Three
Testimonial for Donna London-Hill, Coaching skills
By Nicola Ackroyd, HR Business Partner on 20/05/2025
Sherborne Area Schools’ Trust (SAST)

Donna London-Hill’s coaching has had a meaningful impact on both my personal and professional growth. As an HR Business Partner, I work closely with Donna and benefit from many informal coaching conversations. Through these discussions, she has encouraged me to be more reflective and self-aware in my approach, which has strengthened both my confidence and effectiveness. Her coaching style is refreshingly honest and compassionate, making interactions valuable and insightful. Donna is great at following-up with me which is reassuring and ensures accountability.

Talking with Donna has helped me gain a clearer understanding of my strengths and areas for growth, allowing me to tackle challenges with a renewed sense of purpose. Her informal yet powerful approach to coaching has sharpened my decision-making, improved my communication skills, and instilled a mindset that positively influences both my professional role and personal outlook. She has also helped me ask more meaningful questions, create constructive dialogue, and approach difficult conversations with professionalism and empathy.

In her formal coaching sessions, I see that Donna has had a transformative impact on primary headteachers, helping them grow in confidence and enhance their leadership. I appreciate that she listens well, asks thought-provoking questions, and offers feedback that encourages real self-reflection and continuous learning. Her ability to challenge assumptions, guide goal setting, and foster accountability ensures that those she coaches feel empowered and equipped with actionable strategies.

Donna fully embodies the values of the Trust: equity, partnership, kaizen, and aspiration. She is passionate about ensuring that every leader has the chance to grow and succeed, fostering collaboration and shared learning, encouraging continuous improvement, and inspiring headteachers to push their leadership to new heights.

During a recent period of change management, Donna’s coaching skills have been invaluable in maintaining optimism and clarity. She has guided leaders and teachers through uncertainty, ensuring transitions are met with confidence, positivity, and a solutions-focused mindset. By fostering adaptability and providing unwavering support, she has enabled teams to embrace change as an opportunity rather than a challenge. Her ability to instil motivation, resilience, and a sense of purpose has kept staff engaged, inspired, and ready to move forward.

The skills and mindset Donna brings to her coaching are invaluable, and the benefit of her guidance is evident in the wider school community and the Trust as a whole.