Students Interview Deputy CEO Laurie Cornwell
Two Orchard Hill College students, Morgan and Joseph, recently invited Laurie Cornwell, Deputy CEO of Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust (OHCAT) to their podcast series – Westminster Unfiltered.
Supported by Simon Adams, E-Learning Assessor and Digital Learning Lead, the pair grilled Laurie on everything from leadership and Ofsted to her favourite food and pizza toppings.
“So… what does a Deputy CEO actually do?”
Laurie explained that no two days are the same. She works across OHCAT’s schools and college centres, supporting principals and ensuring the curriculum meets students’ needs. She also has to attend a lot of meetings and answer emails. However, “The best part is spending time with students and seeing them grow and thrive,” she said.
Before moving into management, Laurie began her career as a PE teacher and Learning Support Assistant – and while she doesn’t miss the cold playgrounds, she does miss the buzz of working with and engaging students on a daily basis.
The best thing about Orchard Hill College
When asked what she loves most about working at Orchard Hill, Laurie didn’t hesitate.
“I’m looking at it! Working with students like yourselves, watching them grow and thrive. That’s what it’s all about.”
Morgan and Joseph agreed, saying they loved the people and the opportunities the College offers for their futures.
Tough decisions and proud moments
Joseph wanted to know what big decisions Laurie has made that students might notice.
“Resources I would say are one of the biggest – things like classroom equipment and buildings. Those are huge decisions,” she said. “We always want the best for our students, and that includes making sure they can access as much as possible in their local communities. Working on partnerships is also very important to ensure our students get the best possible opportunities to set them up for their future.”
When asked about Ofsted inspections, Laurie admitted that being at all of them can be stressful. “My role is to absorb other people’s stress and help them through it by being calm and strong,” she said. “But the best part is celebrating the outcomes. It’s always a joy when others see the brilliant work happening across the trust.”
Growth, challenges and student voice
Laurie has been with OHCAT for a decade and Deputy CEO for the past six years. She spoke about the Trust’s growth and the challenges facing education – from funding pressures and curriculum reform to post-Covid turbulence.
“There’s uncertainty out there, but we can’t stand still and wait for things to settle one way or the other. We will always find a way,” she said.
Morgan asked how students’ voices are heard across the Trust. Laurie’s answer was simple: “By listening. We’re here for you, and if we don’t listen, what’s the point?”
Laurie rounded off the chat with her hopes for the future: “To continue being an outstanding organisation that helps young people learn, thrive and grow. It’s why we are all here.”
Quick-fire questions
Morgan and Joseph lightened the mood with a round of quick-fire questions:
- Favourite recent TV show: Slow Horses
- Favourite food: Mexican but nachos in particular
- Pineapple on Pizza? Emphatic no!
- Music tastes: Led Zeppelin, Dolly Parton and a bit of 70s/80s nostalgia
- Pets: Two rescue dogs. Popeye the greyhound and Peggy the lurcher
- Childhood heroes: Bruce Springsteen and comic book hero Judge Dredd
Laurie even admitted she’s a Doctor Who fan which thrilled Morgan, who hopes to be the next Doctor one day!
A Final Thought
To round off the chat, Morgan asked what was the funniest or strangest thing that’s happened during her time with the trust? Laurie recalled one of her more memorable experiences: “During an Ofsted visit at one of our schools, the inspector fell into a pothole – thankfully not during the actual inspection!”
This podcast, and others, titled “Westminster Unfiltered”, can be found on Spotify and if this episode is anything to go by, Morgan and Joseph might just have bright futures in broadcasting.