Birmingham Black History

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Elaine Foster-Allen PDF Print E-mail
Elaine Foster-Allen

Elaine was born in the Parish of Manchester in Jamaica. Her parents migrated to the UK in the 60s, her father in 1965 and her mother in 1968, where they settled in Smethwick on the outskirts of Birmingham. Elaine and her sister joined them in 1976.

Having left a school in Jamaica that was the equivalent of a British grammar school, she arrived at Shirelands High School for Girls which was a secondary modern school. She quickly surprised school staff by how bright she was and was swiftly out performing her peers. Elaine was also making waves within the Black church New Testament of God where by the age of 14 she had become a young leader. While at school she initially thought she would go into Medicine but then decided on a career in teaching.

After completing her teacher training in the East Midlands, she applied for and got a job at Handsworth New Road School in the heart of Birmingham, a school with pupils whose parents had come to the UK from Jamaica in particular but the Indian sub continent too.

In 1980, after only 18 months as a teacher, she got a job as Head of the Religious Education Department at Holte School. It is here that the pupils called her ‘Miss Parker Pen’ because they said she was ‘posh’. At the school Elaine did a lot of work with black pupils who had become disengaged or disillusioned with school, particularly after the Handsworth Riots in 1985, as well as developing innovative multi-cultural curriculum approaches and resources. As a result of this work she was asked to set up the African Caribbean Teaching Unit in the city that developed anti-racist and minority ethnic curriculum materials, and provided training for teachers in schools.

She was also involved in setting up a new Supplementary School and was a member of the Handsworth Defence Campaign.
She went on to become Deputy Head teacher of Handsworth Wood Boys School. Shortly after this she became an Inspector with Her Majesty’s School Inspectorate but yearned to go back into teaching so that she could make a tangible difference to the lives of black pupils. In 1990 she became the Head teacher of Handsworth Wood Girls School, the first black female Head teacher of a secondary school in the city of Birmingham.
She left in 1994 having transformed the school and returned to Jamaica to work with the Ministry of Education. Elaine is now the Principal of Shortwood Teachers’ College, a large teacher training college in Jamaica.
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... : sherron chambers
Hello Elaine, if you don't recall who i am. My mom Sylvia worked at Handsworth Wood too. If possible it would be nice to get in contact.
October 11, 2009
... : sharmain watson
I was one of your pupils at Handsworthwood girls where you gave alot of encouragement to do better with my life. I am now a diagnostic radiographer and I would like to thank you for your words of wisdom:-)
September 20, 2009
... : Michelle & Asanyea
Hey Aunty Elaine! Thanks for being a "real" Aunt to us...we appreciate it. You have been a great inspiration and support system for young women. Continue to do God's work!
May 01, 2009
... : Roxanne Roxy Allen
Thats my mama! Yes people she is actually my mother and I am so proud of her! But mum they didn't write about ur years at Priory and the great impact u made their as well. By the way everyone she has now been promoted to CHIEF INSPECTOR of Education, Thank you!
March 25, 2009
... : sharon Turton
Hi Elaine
did you do some teaching at Handsworth New Road School
or was it Grove Lane Junior School. I have memories of you being one of the few black teacher around back in my school days, nearly 30 years ago. Hope you are still doing well God Bless
January 10, 2009
... : Jane Turvey
Hi Elaine, I knew you at Matlock College of Education, and I am proud to remember you as a friend, although we were never in the same groups for any lectures as far as I can remember! I am still teaching in West Heath, Birmingham as an Assistant Head in charge of Pastoral care and SEN - covers a multitude of areas!!!! Take care and keep up your inspiational work Best Wishes Jane nee Boeham
December 29, 2008
... : Dave Pearson
Elaine - I remember you from Matlock College where we went to the Rockside Assembly of God and ended up on a Sunday evening at Ma Potters at the after-after-meeting singing and praising God. Do you remember Peter Hayden, Marion Vandome, David Blackwell, Steve Wood, etc.
September 25, 2007
... : Vinod
I was a pupil at HWBS and remember Elaine very well. I would like to wish her well. Regards Vinod.
September 07, 2007
... : Mary
Elaine great to read stumbled across this whilst trying to find students who attended HWGS back in the 70's and 80's. Know you very well from parents and sister. We are still arriving!
July 09, 2007
... : Samoura
I just want to let you know how important you are to all of us at the Shortwood Teachers' College. You are one of a kind and im really pleased that i got the coveted opportunity to meet you. Keep up the good work Mrs. Foster-Allen.
May 29, 2007
... : Nikki Henry
Elaine Foster-Allen
Aunty Elaine you have been the greatest influence in my teaching career. Thank you.
May 12, 2007
... : Simin Foster
Elaine is my aunty, my mothers sister. I attended the school in birmingham where she was a head teacher. I have always looked upto her and have always been proud of her. I am proud of the whole of the foster family-my family....but aunty elaine has been the most influencial. I love you aunty, keep up the good work and continue to make us all be proud to carry the foster surname....love Slim
April 20, 2007
... : Kerri-Ann Bacchas
Congratulations Auntie, mommy, Principal on becoming a hero
I am so proud of you.
As a past student of Shortwood Teachers' College you have really taken care of me and this is
mommy I love you
and please continue to inspire young one
You will always be my favourite Principal

November 06, 2006
... : Tameika Virgo
Thank you Mrs. Foster_Allen. We at the Shortwood Teachers' College are pleased to know that we are associated with the "UNDISPUTED" Elaine Foster-Allen. I will always see you as a positive role model even years after i've left STC. Keep it up "Prinny" Thumbs up to you!!!!!
November 05, 2006
... : Denicia Robinson
I really admire your strength and I'll continue to uphold you in prays. You are a great leader and I wish Jamaica would honour you, (while still alive) for the great work you are doing.
November 05, 2006
... : Ian Fuller
Elaine was always none as my mom., and me her son. Elaine has been my rock and my soul, she as inspired many in life like myself towards greater things as well as educated us. I am proud of her for, her teachings and contiuous encouragement Well done MOM.
October 16, 2006
... : Trisha
Well done eLAINE
October 16, 2006
... : eunice
Elaine is an inspiration to all of us. She provides the postive-role model that so many young people need these days. Thank You Elaine
October 16, 2006
... : boy chana
just want to say what a pleasure it is to be associated and linked as a heroe to a heroine of mine who always had time for us all at Handsworth Wood Boys School.
October 13, 2006
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