Instagram story viewer> @lordsimonwoolley> Posts

Simon Woolley

@lordsimonwoolley

3.3K

followers

132

following

Principal of @homertoncollege @cambridgeuniversity || Simon says “….Yes we can!”

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

Five years! Doesn’t time fly…

I often tell people that I have my head down and I’m running — fast. By which I mean I’m keen to get things done. There’ll be plenty of time to look back, reflect and, hopefully, enjoy what we’ve achieved, or at least what we’ve tried to achieve.

But after five years as Head of Homerton College, I guess this is a moment to glance back.

The big goal we set ourselves was to put Homerton firmly on the map, locally, nationally and internationally.

And, just as importantly, to be recognised not only as a College of academic excellence, but as a place defined by its culture and values: decency, belonging, ambition and leadership.

In the end, it’s not for me to decide whether we’ve achieved that. Others will judge. But that has certainly been our ambition, and the focus of our collective efforts over these past five years.

Right… head down. Back to run by @lordsimonwoolley

188

13

7 days ago

I will remember the real Prof Jason Arday

Article I wrote for the New Statesman… by @lordsimonwoolley

3k

83

2 months ago

This much I know…

It’s not so much about winning, or even being nominated, for these wonderful awards that celebrate achievement. The greatest satisfaction, and the true glory, lies in the day-to-day work of trying to make a difference in the lives of others and the societal pillars we live within.

Don’t get me wrong… I still want to win by @lordsimonwoolley

384

24

2 months ago

The not-so-hidden lives of Homerton’s gardeners

Come sun, rain, or even snow, Homerton’s gardeners can always be found tending the College’s beautiful gardens. Or, as our Head Gardener, Helen Cripps, said to me during my very first week at Homerton, “Welcome to my 25-acre office.”

The other day I asked Lola, one of our gardeners, if she would walk me through the remarkable array of flora and fauna surrounding us.

Her eyes lit up as she took me on a tour of Lola’s world—hydrangeas, dahlias, alstroemerias, artichokes, and a wonderfully exotic Mexican plant whose name, I’m afraid, escaped me almost as quickly as she said it.

What I thought would be a five-minute conversation became more than twenty, as I listened to someone whose passion for nature is matched only by her knowledge of it.

As we finished, Lola reached up into the orchard, picked a few ripe plums and handed them to me.

“Simon, these are for you.”

“Muchísimas gracias, Lola,” I replied.

A few days later, I bought each member of the gardening team a copy of one of my favourite books, The Hidden Life of Trees, with a special edition for Helen.

A tiny gesture of thanks to a remarkable team who quietly create one of Homerton’s greatest treasures.

Thank you, Helen, Lola, David, Chris, Jason, Roanna, and our newest member, Elizabeth. by @lordsimonwoolley

267

9

2 months ago

Homerton College World Cup Sweepstake – and the winner is… Lisa!

Despite alleged attempts by the US President and the FIFA boss to infiltrate the Homerton College World Cup sweepstake, I’m pleased to report there were no shenanigans. Lisa from Conferencing emerged victorious, collecting her decidedly non life changing winnings after picking Spain.

What I can report is that the sweepstake brought a huge amount of fun across the College throughout the tournament, with everyone hoping to be crowned Homerton champion.

A big thank you to Caroline for organising yet another wonderful event. by @lordsimonwoolley

106

0

3 months ago

An evening where excellence found its rightful place.

Set against the timeless elegance of the Great Room, Royal Society of Arts, London, the 16th African Achievers Awards Gala Dinner brought together an extraordinary gathering of leaders, diplomats, innovators, business executives, and changemakers from across Africa and beyond.

Hosted by Lord Simon Woolley, the evening celebrated not only remarkable achievements but also the people whose vision, influence, and commitment continue to shape the continent's future.

More than a gala, it was a powerful convergence of excellence, meaningful connections, and a shared commitment to Africa's continued rise.

#AfricanAchieversAwards #AAA2026 #CelebratingExcellence #Leadership #AfricanExcellence by @lordsimonwoolley

153

4

3 months ago

Anti-Football 0 Football 1 . Congratulations to worthy World Cup champions Spain. The beautiful game lives on by @lordsimonwoolley

76

0

3 months ago

A goal and a picture for the ages

If Jude Bellingham never scores another goal for England — which seems almost impossible — this goal, captured in this extraordinary image, encapsulates “Hey Jude” at his very best.

Six players from one of the finest World Cup teams ever assembled are left bereft as Bellingham’s guile, pace and strength combine to produce a goal of breathtaking beauty.

In the end, it was a fitting final act to England’s World Cup. Our immense potential fully revived, and a glimpse of what this team can become.

Well done, lads.

Thank you, Jude. by @lordsimonwoolley

320

9

3 months ago

OBV Changed My Life

Thirty years ago today, the launch of Operation Black Vote in the House of Commons not only changed my life, it changed countless others too.

Our goal was simple: through the democratic process, through voter registration and voting, we would no longer ask for racial justice and equality, we would demand it.

We had no money, and little prospect of finding any soon. What we did have was an unshakeable belief that this was our destiny.

When we began, there were just four MPs of colour in the House of Commons. Today, there are around 90, many directly from OBV.

We also helped transform the representation of magistrates , councillors, schools governors and city Mayors . Progress never comes by accident. It comes because ordinary people decide that the world can, and must, be different.

There are so many people I want to thank, far too many to name. But I must acknowledge and wonderfully applaud that founding team: Lee Jasper, our inspirational leader, Rita Patel, Kumar Mushid, Meena Dhobi, the late and brilliant Audrey Adams, and Dave Weaver.

My deepest gratitude goes to the remarkable colleagues with whom I worked day to day for decades, often in the trenches, delivering programmes that transformed lives and campaigns that inspired millions to vote.

I loved working with you: Ashok Viswanathan, Merlene, Carrington, Winsome Cornish, Francine Fernandes, Lester Holloway, Rafiq Maricar, and the indomitable Derek Hinds, who, legend has it, coined the name Operation Black Vote in a moment of inspiration.

Thirty years on, the work is not finished. The challenges have changed, but the mission remains
And I have a feeling Operation Black Vote’s loudest roar may be yet to come.

Happy 30th Anniversary OBV by @lordsimonwoolley

60

3

3 months ago

Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham: Who We Are at Our Very Best

As we prepare, with great trepidation, for tonight’s semi-final against our old foe Argentina, spare a moment for this picture. Two of the greatest players in the world, side by side, shoulder to shoulder, embodying the excellence of our nation.

This snapshot of diversity is not only who we are; it is one of our greatest strengths. Come on, England !! by @lordsimonwoolley

78

2

3 months ago

And that’s a wrap…

Another wonderful academic year draws to a close.

There have been far too many highlights to capture in a single post, but I hope these 20 photographs offer a glimpse of the joy, academic endeavour, friendship, and sense of belonging that define this remarkable Cambridge college: Homerton

And for those of you who have yet to visit, and especially the brilliant young minds wondering where to study, perhaps these images will persuade you that all roads lead to Homerton College.

Just saying… by @lordsimonwoolley

227

0

3 months ago

East Meets West Meets Africa

As another wonderful Wimbledon draws to a close, it leaves behind so many magical moments.

There was young Brit Arthur Fery’s remarkable run to the semi-finals, and the great Serena Williams reminding us that champions never truly lose their aura.

But perhaps the most powerful image of all was four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka. In her grace, heritage and story, she beautifully embodies East meeting West meeting Africa.

In a world too often divided by identity, Osaka is a quiet reminder that our greatest strength lies not in choosing one heritage over another, but in embracing them all. by @lordsimonwoolley

65

1

3 months ago