Ali Durban, MBE, is a founder, coach, and changemaker committed to creating meaningful change for marginalised children and communities. Her work sits at the intersection of education, inclusion, leadership, and belonging, with a particular focus on reimagining systems that have historically failed neurodivergent young people and their families.
She is the co-founder of Gesher School, an Ofsted Outstanding all-through school for neurodivergent learners, widely regarded as a national model of inclusive practice. She also founded The Gesher Assessment Centre, a
multidisciplinary diagnostic service designed to reduce wait times and provide timely, compassionate support for families navigating complex educational pathways. In 2025, she launched The Single Collective, a leadership, coaching, and consultancy practice that supports purpose-led individuals and organisations in leading with clarity, confidence, and impact. Her work focuses on shifting culture, embedding values-driven leadership, and identifying leverage points to drive change, particularly for those left out or underserved by existing systems.
Additionally, her work encompasses strategic consultancy aimed at improving transitions and pathways for
neurodivergent young people. Ali has raised over £12 million in philanthropic income to support inclusive education and care. She currently co-chairs the SEND Council for the Foundation for Education Development, is a trustee of Bloomsbury Football and sits on the Education Council for the Autism Centre of Excellence. In 2025, she was awarded an MBE for her services to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
