StaffRM Gala

Join us at the stunning Grand Connaught Rooms where you'll be treated to a glass of bubbly on arrival in the Drawing Room, before sitting down in the Edinburgh Suite for an exquisite 3-course dinner with wine followed by teas, coffees and petit fours. Entertainment comes courtesy of the hilarious Ollie Horn, the talented singer Clinton Jordan and a banging DJ set from the brilliant DJ DNA.

Throughout the evening our official photographer will be snapping away, capturing the memories and we'll be hosting a raffle with a range of practical and, much sought after prizes to get you ready for the new academic year!

There will be a bar available if you wish to purchase additional drinks throughout the evening. Cash and card payments will be accepted.

Think Met Gala; Think GRM Gala; Think this is your time to shine! The more glamorous and original the better. We definitely don't want any two people twinning (unless it's intentional).

If you're an organisation that wants to treat your employees or a group of friends who want to sit together, book a table for ten. You get one ticket for free if you do it that way!

If you don't want to book a table for ten, but want to sit with your besties, make sure you mention this when you book so we can ensure you are seated together.

Headteacher, Coach & Publisher

Amanda is the brainchild behind StaffRM Gala. She knows she'll probably never get an invite to the Met Gala, or the GRM Gala because (clearly) she doesn't move in those circles. But rather than allow those little details to stand in her way, Amanda decided to host her own gala event, specifically for those who work in the education sector. It's a way of celebrating the new academic year in style.

Amanda is a primary school headteacher and runs Crux Leadership Development, a company whose aim is to provide the essential building blocks for leadership. Amanda is the founder of the First 100 Days Headteachers Conference an annual event aimed at new and aspiring headteachers. She sits on the judging panel for the prestigious Tes Awards and reguarly speaks and writes about topics related to school leadership and diversity in school leadership. As someone who once co-owned an events company, Amanda knows what it takes to create a memorable event.

From theatres in San Francisco, to military bases in South Korea, hostels in Barcelona, and even former colonial post offices in Myanmar, Ollie's effortless stage presence and wide-eyed curiosity resonates with stand-up audiences the world over.

Having performed stand-up comedy in over 25 countries and counting, Ollie is not short of stories to tell and unique perspectives to share from his travels—not least the four years he spent living in Japan working as a minor television and radio personality. He has performed at the Adelaide, Perth and Melbourne comedy festivals in Australia, as well as enjoying a critically-acclaimed run at the Edinburgh Fringe festival with his debut solo show "Pig in Japan", which went onto a 10 country sold out tour.

Ollie is at his best when in conversation with his audience, blending his considered, intelligent and personal stand up with responsive, curious and charming crowd interactions.

Critical acclaim

• "Smart, questioning stuff" (The List)
• "Ollie is a natural...he sets up the audience for jokes like he is stacking Lego.” (Broadway Baby)
• "A gifted storyteller.” (The Wee Review)

As a professional singer, Clinton has shared the stage with artists such as Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, and Tina Turner to name a few. Clinton is also a Vocal Arranger for choir sensation ‘The Kingdom Choir’ who performed live on TV to over 2 billion households for The Royal wedding 2018. Special TV appearances include CNN, ABC, BBC, ITV, Good Morning America, Good Morning Britain, Jonathan Ross Show and Strictly Come Dancing.

Clinton's corporate portfolio highlights include Marks & Spencer, McDonald’s and Burberry and he was chosen to be the vocal arranger for Coca-Cola’s Christmas classic TV commercial ‘The Holidays are Coming’.

In the educational world, Clinton's workshops have earned him the Jack Petchey award for ‘Outstanding Leader’, BBC Choir of the Year Category Final. He has entertained a variety of esteemed audiences including Prime Minister Gordon Brown, David Cameron, Albert II Prince of Monaco, Her Majesty the Queen and His Majesty The King.

DJ DNA is a multi-genre DJ from London, known for his high-energy sets and creative mixing skills. With over 15 years in the industry he has made his mark on London nightlife and the international scene. His career began in the early 2010s, putting on uni raves in Bedfordshire, Northampton and beyond. He rose to popularity for his advanced knowledge of grime and funky house, regularly seen with the likes of Mista Silva and Gracious K. However, he quickly showed his ability to adapt, playing a range of genres to suit different musical tastes as the need arose. Accolades include being official DJ for Pitch Sundays and The Big Clash

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, Great Queen Street, London, UK, United Kingdom