Ali Kirkman: From the Number 13 bus to the Principal’s office
Recent alumnus Reuben Cowell sat down with Principal Ali Kirkman to find out what the journey from Hills Road student to Hills Road Principal looks like.
Published on 22/09/2026
What does the journey from Hills Road student to Hills Road Principal look like?
Recent alumnus (and current Development Assistant) Reuben Cowell sat down with Principal Ali Kirkman to find out, tracing a journey that began when Ali arrived at the College on the Number 13 bus from Linton in 1991. From singing with the College choir and joining the first German exchange to Hamburg, to almost two decades living and working overseas, Ali reflects on the experiences that eventually brought her back to Hills Road.
In the interview, Ali discusses being the first person in her family to continue into post-16 education, the opportunities Hills Road opened up for her, and why returning to the College felt like a chance to give something back.
She also shares advice for students taking a path their family may not have taken before:
The full interview explores Ali’s memories of Hills Road in the 1990s, her international career in education, her return to Cambridge and the values she wants to bring to her role as Principal.
Read Reuben’s full interview with Ali on the Hills Road Alumni website using the button below.