Alison MacDonald

Head of Humanities

Ali studied a BA in History and Literature at the University of Lancaster and Copenhagen University, before continuing on to a MA in Literature and Culture. She went on to complete her teacher training at the University of Cambridge.

Ali has enjoyed teaching in a variety of settings from British state schools to international schools in the Middle East before joining Abbey in 2015. Whilst at Abbey, she has made the most of learning opportunities for students around the UK by organising trips to the Tower of London, Shakespeare’s Globe, the Tate Gallery, Parliament, the National Archives and the Supreme Court. Ali is passionate about the benefits of learning outside of the classroom as well as from a variety of sources and has invited visiting speakers to the college such as university professors, a holocaust survivor and local MPs.

Outside of college, Ali loves to travel and has reached most corners, and heights, of the globe. When in the UK, she makes the most of the countryside with many long hikes and mountain climbs.

Abbey Cambridge
Upcoming Webinar: Preparing for Medicine at Abbey College Cambridge

Friday 19th June 2026, 10.30am – 11.30am

In this webinar, Abbey College Cambridge’s Head of Medicine Sephora Day will introduce you to the Medicine Preparation Programme; a special two-year programme designed to ensure that students are prepared in every aspect required to succeed on this most competitive of university courses. 

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