Rhiannon Hankins
Faculty Director Construction and Technology
Rhiannon holds a degree in Furniture and Cabinet Making and brings a wealth of experience from both industry and education. Before joining the further education sector, she successfully ran her own SME in a trade.
Rhiannon has dedicated her career to helping students develop the technical expertise and confidence to succeed in construction and technology. She has been instrumental in shaping curriculum strategies, driving innovation in vocational learning, and strengthening links between education and industry.
Passionate about skills development and the future of technical education, Rhiannon continues to inspire both colleagues and students through her leadership and commitment to excellence.
Rhiannon holds a degree in Furniture and Cabinet Making and brings a wealth of experience from both industry and education. Before joining the further education sector, she successfully ran her own SME in a trade.
Rhiannon has dedicated her career to helping students develop the technical expertise and confidence to succeed in construction and technology. She has been instrumental in shaping curriculum strategies, driving innovation in vocational learning, and strengthening links between education and industry.
Passionate about skills development and the future of technical education, Rhiannon continues to inspire both colleagues and students through her leadership and commitment to excellence.
David Gordon
Faculty Director Creative Enterprises
David brings a wealth of experience from both the further education sector and the Film and TV industry. After earning his degree in Film Studies, he spent three years working across a range of Film and Television projects before moving into teaching — a transition that combined his creative expertise with a passion for education.
Throughout his career, David has taught and led creative media courses, developing industry-informed curricula that equip students with the skills, confidence, and experience to thrive in the creative sector. He is passionate about connecting education with real-world opportunities, ensuring that every learner benefits from current, practical, and career-focused training.
David champions innovation, collaboration, and student success — driving forward the College’s vision for excellence in the creative industries.
David brings a wealth of experience from both the further education sector and the Film and TV industry. After earning his degree in Film Studies, he spent three years working across a range of Film and Television projects before moving into teaching — a transition that combined his creative expertise with a passion for education.
Throughout his career, David has taught and led creative media courses, developing industry-informed curricula that equip students with the skills, confidence, and experience to thrive in the creative sector. He is passionate about connecting education with real-world opportunities, ensuring that every learner benefits from current, practical, and career-focused training.
David champions innovation, collaboration, and student success — driving forward the College’s vision for excellence in the creative industries.
Kiran Bharj
Faculty Director Health and Life Sciences
Kiran has experience in the education sector, having worked as a lecturer delivering Health, Social Care and Science programmes before transitioning into management. Passionate about creating an outstanding learner journey, Kiran focuses on innovative teaching methods, including the use of simulated environments, to enhance student engagement and skill development. Kiran is dedicated to collaborating and forming partnerships with employers to create meaningful work experience opportunities that prepare learners for their next steps.
Kiran has experience in the education sector, having worked as a lecturer delivering Health, Social Care and Science programmes before transitioning into management. Passionate about creating an outstanding learner journey, Kiran focuses on innovative teaching methods, including the use of simulated environments, to enhance student engagement and skill development. Kiran is dedicated to collaborating and forming partnerships with employers to create meaningful work experience opportunities that prepare learners for their next steps.
Claire Gray
Faculty Director Foundation Learning and Service Industires
Claire is a dedicated and experienced professional with over 20 years of expertise in the beauty industry. Her extensive knowledge, combined with over 10 years of teaching in further education, has allowed her to play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of beauty professionals. Throughout her career, Claire has developed and delivered innovative curriculums that stay ahead of industry trends, ensuring that learners are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a fast-evolving field.
In addition to her expertise in the beauty industry, Claire possesses a wealth of experience in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), making her a strong advocate for inclusive education. She is committed to supporting students in developing essential life skills and tailoring their learning to meet personalised Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). Claire takes pride in helping students create meaningful pathways toward their next steps, aligning their education with their individual aspirations.
Claire is a dedicated and experienced professional with over 20 years of expertise in the beauty industry. Her extensive knowledge, combined with over 10 years of teaching in further education, has allowed her to play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of beauty professionals. Throughout her career, Claire has developed and delivered innovative curriculums that stay ahead of industry trends, ensuring that learners are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a fast-evolving field.
In addition to her expertise in the beauty industry, Claire possesses a wealth of experience in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), making her a strong advocate for inclusive education. She is committed to supporting students in developing essential life skills and tailoring their learning to meet personalised Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). Claire takes pride in helping students create meaningful pathways toward their next steps, aligning their education with their individual aspirations.
Penny Kelley
Director Learning Innovation
Penny has over 10 years of industry experience in the fashion retail industry before transitioning into education, writing and delivering fashion courses linked to industry practices. She then moved into an Advanced Practitioner role where she enjoyed sharing her ideas and expertise with new and current staff, building positive relationships and inspiring teachers across the College campuses.
As Director of Learning Innovation, Penny now leads a team of Advanced Practitioners who mentor and train staff, delivering tailored CPD and a suite of Outstanding Teacher Training courses at Level 3 and Level 5. She also oversees Maths and English delivery across the College, aiming to develop confidence and a growth mindset in students.
Her innovative approach and strategic frameworks support exceptional teaching, learning and assessment (TLA) across all three campuses. Penny's dedication empowers educators to inspire learners, driving the College's commitment to educational excellence.
Penny has over 10 years of industry experience in the fashion retail industry before transitioning into education, writing and delivering fashion courses linked to industry practices. She then moved into an Advanced Practitioner role where she enjoyed sharing her ideas and expertise with new and current staff, building positive relationships and inspiring teachers across the College campuses.
As Director of Learning Innovation, Penny now leads a team of Advanced Practitioners who mentor and train staff, delivering tailored CPD and a suite of Outstanding Teacher Training courses at Level 3 and Level 5. She also oversees Maths and English delivery across the College, aiming to develop confidence and a growth mindset in students.
Her innovative approach and strategic frameworks support exceptional teaching, learning and assessment (TLA) across all three campuses. Penny's dedication empowers educators to inspire learners, driving the College's commitment to educational excellence.
Pamela Forchione
Director of Marketing
Pamela has impressive experience in further education, spanning over 20 years. She began her career as a designer in the Fashion industry, where she honed her creative skills. Transitioning into education, Pamela achieved a Masters in Computer Science and a Masters in E-Learning Technologies, showcasing her dedication to continuous learning and love of digital technologies.
In her early years in Further Education, Pamela led the Digital Learning, Professional Development, and the Learning Centre Teams. For the past six years, she has been leading the Marketing function at the College. She holds a Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Diploma in Digital Marketing, which has been instrumental in her role. Pamela is passionate about Further Education and takes great pride in promoting the outstanding achievements of both students and staff.
Pamela has impressive experience in further education, spanning over 20 years. She began her career as a designer in the Fashion industry, where she honed her creative skills. Transitioning into education, Pamela achieved a Masters in Computer Science and a Masters in E-Learning Technologies, showcasing her dedication to continuous learning and love of digital technologies.
In her early years in Further Education, Pamela led the Digital Learning, Professional Development, and the Learning Centre Teams. For the past six years, she has been leading the Marketing function at the College. She holds a Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Diploma in Digital Marketing, which has been instrumental in her role. Pamela is passionate about Further Education and takes great pride in promoting the outstanding achievements of both students and staff.
Gul Mohammed
Head of Finance
Gul studied Accounting at the College and joined the team in 2009. He’s now a MAAT-qualified accountant with over 15 years’ experience in further education. Known for his precision and dedication, Gul ensures the College remains financially robust so students can benefit from the best possible resources and support.
Gul studied Accounting at the College and joined the team in 2009. He’s now a MAAT-qualified accountant with over 15 years’ experience in further education. Known for his precision and dedication, Gul ensures the College remains financially robust so students can benefit from the best possible resources and support.
Carl Phelps
Head of IT
Carl leads the College’s IT strategy and services across all campuses, drawing on a career that began in 1st Line Support and progressed through senior engineering roles. With deep, hands-on expertise and a strong understanding of user needs, he drives effective, resilient and innovative technology solutions that empower staff and students. Carl is passionate about delivering high-quality service, optimising infrastructure, and ensuring technology supports the College’s mission.
Carl leads the College’s IT strategy and services across all campuses, drawing on a career that began in 1st Line Support and progressed through senior engineering roles. With deep, hands-on expertise and a strong understanding of user needs, he drives effective, resilient and innovative technology solutions that empower staff and students. Carl is passionate about delivering high-quality service, optimising infrastructure, and ensuring technology supports the College’s mission.
Debbie Midson-Brown
Head of Estates and Health & Safety
Debbie has been with the College since 2004, bringing over 40 years of experience in Estates and Facilities Management. She leads campus operations with a focus on safety, sustainability and creating spaces where students and staff can thrive.
Debbie has been with the College since 2004, bringing over 40 years of experience in Estates and Facilities Management. She leads campus operations with a focus on safety, sustainability and creating spaces where students and staff can thrive.
Tom Andrew
Head of Digital Learning Innovation
Tom leads Digital Learning and Learning Centres at the College, helping shape how technology supports teaching and learning. With over 15 years in further education and a Master’s in Technology Enhanced Learning, he’s committed to integrating innovative technology solutions into education.
As an experienced educator, Tom continues to drive advancements in digital learning by leveraging technology to improve the student experience. Tom is highly engaged with the sector, actively contributing to projects and initiatives from key organisations.
Tom leads Digital Learning and Learning Centres at the College, helping shape how technology supports teaching and learning. With over 15 years in further education and a Master’s in Technology Enhanced Learning, he’s committed to integrating innovative technology solutions into education.
As an experienced educator, Tom continues to drive advancements in digital learning by leveraging technology to improve the student experience. Tom is highly engaged with the sector, actively contributing to projects and initiatives from key organisations.
Leah Crawford
Head of Quality
Leah brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role as Quality Manager, with extensive experience in the Further Education sector. She is passionate about fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence in teaching and learning.
Before stepping into her current role, Leah taught and led courses in Make-up Artistry and Special Effects Make-up, where she combined her creative talents with her passion for education. She also served as an Advanced Practitioner, refining her expertise in curriculum development and quality assurance.
Leah is recognised for her attention to detail, innovative approach to quality processes, and unwavering commitment to student success.
Leah brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role as Quality Manager, with extensive experience in the Further Education sector. She is passionate about fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence in teaching and learning.
Before stepping into her current role, Leah taught and led courses in Make-up Artistry and Special Effects Make-up, where she combined her creative talents with her passion for education. She also served as an Advanced Practitioner, refining her expertise in curriculum development and quality assurance.
Leah is recognised for her attention to detail, innovative approach to quality processes, and unwavering commitment to student success.
