Leo is joined by Guy Collins-Down, COO of Alleyn’s School, for a practical conversation about estates, investment and the choices schools make when there is simply more to do than there is money available.
Guy shares how Alleyn’s assesses competing capital projects, why educational impact is only part of the equation, and how a more structured approach can stop investment decisions being driven by whoever shouts the loudest.
They also explore the hidden cost of deferred maintenance; why mechanical and engineering systems can become particularly expensive when overlooked; and how better data can reveal inefficiencies that would otherwise remain invisible.
The conversation moves into the idea of the “smart school” — using information about buildings, energy use and occupancy to make better operational decisions — as well as the importance of bringing estates, IT and sustainability planning together rather than treating them as separate projects.
Guy also reflects on the value of consultation, what he has learned from more than 20 years working in educational design and capital projects, and why bursars facing a long project list and a short budget should ultimately “play the long game”.
In this episode:
And, naturally, we finish with the important question of Guy’s favourite Lego project.
GUEST:
Guy Collins-Down, COO Alleyn's School
This episode is designed as a short operational briefing. Fuller guidance, technical detail and member-only resources remain available through ISBA and the relevant linked materials.
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