I met Flora McLean on my first day at Central Saint Martins. We were a bunch of wide-eyed, fresh-faced creatives all huddled into a brightly lit studio. She was a funny, inquisitive and respectful presence, immediately putting us all at ease and possessing the unique ability to create an atmosphere which allowed everyone to flourish creatively. Teachers like Flora are shaping the next wave of creative talent - a funny, inquisitive and opinionated maker who is as memorable as the work she creates, and the people she teaches. She can now be found continuing to grow her brand ‘House of Flora’ with great success and leading the Footwear, Accessory and Millinery course at the Royal College of Art. We chat about the current state of higher arts education in the UK, what she would change and her own experience of art school.