Patrons

Zandra Rhodes

Zandra Rhodes was born 1940 in Kent, UK. Zandra studied at Medway and then the Royal College London, majoring in printed textiles.

Zandra headed the new wave of British designers who put London at the forefront of international fashion in the 1970s. Rhodes’ garments have a timeless quality making them unmistakably Rhodes’ creations; bold, dynamic, colorful and feminine. She has stamped her identity on the international world of fashion with her spectacular pink hair, theatrical makeup and art jewelry.

Zandra designed for Princess Diana, Freddy Mercury, Diana Ross and Helen Mirren, and has also designed Opera sets and costumes for The Pearl Fishers, Magic Flute and Aida. Rhodes founded the Fashion and Textile Museum London and her exhibition: “Zandra Rhodes, a Lifelong Love Affair with Textiles” has exhibited all over the world. Most recently, she has been given the prestigious title of “Dame” by the Queen of England, and continues to design for companies. In 2016, Pierpaolo Picciolli of Valentino chose Zandra Rhodes to create all the textile designs for his first solo SS 2017 Collection launched in Paris last October. In London, Zandra has recreated some of her most iconic designs (The Archive Collection) for MATCHESFASHION.COM.

Baroness Estelle Morris

Estelle began her career as a teacher in an inner city multi racial comprehensive school where she taught for 18 years. She entered Parliament in 1992 and became the Secretary of State for Education and Skills. She then became Minister at the Department of Culture Media and Sport for two years before leaving Parliament in 2005.
Estelle has since combined a career that includes senior posts both in education and the arts as well as being a member of the House of Lords. She now works at the Institute of Effective Education at the University of York.

She is a trustee of the Paul Hamlyn Foundation and The Roundhouse and Chair of the National Coal Mining Museum. She also chairs the Council at Goldsmiths College and is a regular contributor to Guardian Education.

Why she supports the Trust:

“Education remains key to achieving any of our ambitions for a strong economy, regenerated communities and a better quality of life for our citizens. The Learning Trust has been established to improve the skills and knowledge of Young People and I feel it can make an important contribution to that task.”

Levi Roots

Charismatic Sauce-man and Entrepreneur, Levi Roots first shot to fame on BBC2's Dragon's Den in 2007, when defying the odds with his spirited Reggae Reggae Sauce song, he charmed dragons Peter Jones and Richard Farleigh into investment in his spicy homemade Reggae Reggae Sauce. With a speedy launch at Sainsbury's only a few weeks later, the sauce flew off the shelves, outselling even Heinz Tomato Ketchup and it's been a whirlwind ever since. As well as his wide range of products, Levi has released a 6 cookbooks and a business book. Levi’s most recent book, Sweet, is a collection of his favourite desserts and was released by Mitchell Beazley in July 2012.

Why he supports the Trust

“I support the Learning Revolution Trust because I believe it will help support and encourage every student to aim for and achieve success if they work hard. I believe that 'you can get it if you really want' and I'll always be ready to remind everyone that you can aim high and succeed”

Lyn Brown

Lyn has been the Member of Parliament since 2005, having grown up in Newham, attending Drew Road Primary School and Plashet Comprehensive. Lyn was a local councillor in Newham from 1988 till her election to Parliament in 2005.  

Why she supports the Trust

 ‘I am supporting the Learning Revolution Trust because I know how important education is in enabling people to aim high and fulfil their dreams. A good education changes lives and allows people to take control of their own future.’

OMAR

Following his first two single releases, "Mr Postman" and "You and Me", Omar released his first album “There's Nothing Like This” in 1990. He signed to his first major record label, Talkin' Loud, and in 1992 released his second album, Music, which featured “Get To Know You Better” and duet with Carleen Anderson, “Who Chooses The Seasons”.

Having signed to RCA Records Omar collaborated with other musicians, including Lamont Dozier, David Frank (The System), the former Heatwave bassist Derrick Bramble, Leon Ware and Stevie Wonder.

In 2006, the Urban Music Awards presented Omar with the Best Neo Soul Act and Outstanding Achievement Awards.

He was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2012 Birthday Honours for services to music.

In 2013 Omar signed his 7^th album ‘The Man’ to Freestyle records.

Why he supports the Trust

"It was a no brainer when asked to become a supporter of The learning Revolution trust because I believe it's important to give a fair chance to everyone in life and Education is key"

Shaun Dooley

Shaun Dooley is a British actor who regularly appears on television and in British Films. He was born in Barnsley in South Yorkshire but now lives in London.

Dooley's first acting role was in "Groove on a stanley knife" in 1997. Since then he has appeared in numerous tv dramas and films.

Shaun's credits include: The Street, Shackleton, P.O.W, The Borrowers, Silent Witness, Benidorm, Vincent, South Riding, Warriors and Apparitions. He portrayed police inspector Dick Alderman in all three parts of the Red Riding Trilogy and starred in Married Single Other. In 2010, he appeared in BBC One's Five Days and the BBC Four drama The Road to Coronation Street. In 2011 he appeared in the BBC dramas Exile and Great Expectations and in 2012 he joined the cast of Misfits and is currently filming series 5.

In 2009, Dooley played the lead in High Tide’s/ Royal National Theatre/ The Bush acclaimed production of “Stovepipe" at the West 12 Shopping Centre in Shepherd's Bush. “Blok/Eko” for the wrestling school and recently he played the American poet Robert Frost in The Almeida’s production of “The Dark Earth and Light Sky.”

Films include: Eden Lake, The Awakening and British horror film Salvage. He also starred in the 2011 horror blockbuster, "The Woman in Black" alongside Ciaran Hinds and Daniel Radcliffe.

He received the Royal Television Society North Award for Best Actor for his performance in The Mark of Cain.

Shaun is also a writer. His first feature film “5 Dares” is currently in pre production.

Why he supports the Trust

“I am proud to be a patron of the Learning Revolution Trust. It is so important to play a part in helping the next generation. Regardless of social or economic background everyone should be given the opportunity to learn and expand their horizons. “

Stephen Timms

“A former leader of Newham Council, and former Cabinet Minister, Stephen Timms has been a Newham MP since 1994, and is a long term supporter of Newham College. He welcomes the increasing importance of East London in the economy of the capital, and sees the College’s role as crucial in preparing local residents to make the most of the new opportunities being created.”

Iqbal Wahhab, OBE, FRSA

Iqbal was born in Bangladesh and came to Britain at the age of eight months. After graduating from the LSE, he  briefly worked as a newspaper reporters then set up his  own media businesses – one in PR and the other in publishing, both specialising in food and drink. In 2001 he opened The Cinnamon Club in Westminster and in 2007 he opened Roast in Borough Market . HeI bought the Indian street food operation Moolis in Soho. Outside of business he is  connected with a number of charitable and government projects and chair the DWP’s Ethnic Minority Advisory group and the photography and human rights organisation Autograph. In 2010 he received an OBE for public affairs and that year also was made a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts.

Why he supports the Trust

“ I support the Learning Revolution Trust because I believe education transforms lives and everyone should have the opportunity to benefit from it”

Tessa Sanderson CBE

Tessa Sanderson CBE, former British javelin thrower and heptathlete, is a 6 Times Olympian (1976–1996) and Gold Medallist at the 1984 Olympics. She is currently still the only British Woman to ever win a throwing Gold Medal.

Tessa is also a 3 time Commonwealth Gold Medallist and was a TEAM GB Ambassador for the London 2012 Games.

In 2009 Tessa set up the Tessa Sanderson Foundation and Academy in Newham.  The charity helps youngsters towards a healthier lifestyle through physical activity, building confidence and a social wellbeing whilst still in education.

In April 2009 Tessa made history again by organising the first 10K road run through the Olympic Park offering the community and visitors to Newham a fantastic bird’s eye view of the Olympic 2012 athletics stadium. The run was so successful that it takes place annually and is now part of the Tessa Sanderson Foundation running festival which hosts the East London Half Marathon as a major step forward to road running in the East end of London. The event takes place on 14^th April 2013 at West Ham Park.

This year the 10k category will be sponsored under a new name by Newham College of further Education who works in partnership with the Tessa Sanderson Foundation. The race will be called the Newham College 10K Run.

Tessa was appointed an MBE in 1985, following her Olympic gold, raised to Officer (OBE) in 1998 for her charity work, and to Commander (CBE)  2004 for her services to Sport England.

Martin Tolhurst CBE

Martin Tolhurst CBE was Principal & Chief Executive of Newham College from 1991 to 2010, and is the founder of its Learning Revolution Trust