Background
Roy works as an independent school education consultant, after leaving the British Nutrition Foundation as Managing Director and Head of Education. His areas of specialism include food, textiles and ICT. Roy has advised government departments, awarding bodies, and NGOs, ensuring curriculum content is evidence-based, rigorous and meets the needs of pupils and society.
He has been involved in numerous teaching and education programmes, initiatives, and publications, including those in the UK and internationally. He brings 30+ years of experience and expertise.
Throughout his career, he has used ICT to help bring subject-specific learning to life and support teachers through innovative, but pragmatic approaches. More recently this has included the use of AI in food and textiles teaching and safeguarding.
Roy enjoys to cook different cuisines from around the world, as well as taking his two dachshunds walking.
Experience and qualifications
Roy is an experienced educational leader specialising in education management, initiative creation, programme planning and implementation, learning/teaching framework development, meeting facilitation, teacher training, resource and recipe development, and research.
Roy originally trained as a food and textiles teacher, completed an MA in ICT in education, and has been a food GCSE moderator and A-level principal examiner. Roy received the Excellence Award for Outstanding Contribution to Design and Technology from the Design and Technology Association. He is a good team player, able to sustain independent work to tight deadlines, with excellent communication skills.
My approach
Evidence based
Grounded in research and practice for impact
Engaging
Learning that sparks curiosity and interest
Inclusive
Accessible and relevant to every pupil
Practical
Real-world skills for
all to use
“Roy Ballam played a pivotal role in the research and development of the Teaching Textiles in UK Schools’ Framework for the Textiles Skills Centre. His expertise, vision, and commitment have resulted in a practical and inspiring resource that supports teachers and strengthens the future of textiles education in the UK.
We are delighted to have worked with Roy on this important project. His depth of knowledge and thoughtful approach have created a framework that will have real impact for teachers and pupils alike.”
Dawn Foxall, Textiles Skills Centre