Jenny Craig
Principal and Chief Executive
Jenny is passionate about the power of further education to change lives. She brings experience from senior leadership roles in the sector, including Deputy Principal and Vice Principal of Curriculum and Quality. Before moving into education, Jenny worked in corporate banking with Barclays Bank.
Her mission is simple: to help every student thrive and achieve more than they thought possible. She leads a dedicated team delivering inspirational learning that prepares students for their future. Jenny believes colleges should sit at the heart of their communities, working with employers and local partners to support economic growth and social wellbeing.
Jenny is Chair of the Buckinghamshire Skills Strategy Board and sits on both the Buckinghamshire Growth Board and the Strategic Board of the Bucks Health and Social Care Academy. She holds a degree in Economics and Business Economics, a Postgraduate Certificate in Post-Compulsory Education, a Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership and Management, and has completed the Saïd Business School Strategic Leadership Programme at Oxford University.
Jenny is passionate about the power of further education to change lives. She brings experience from senior leadership roles in the sector, including Deputy Principal and Vice Principal of Curriculum and Quality. Before moving into education, Jenny worked in corporate banking with Barclays Bank.
Her mission is simple: to help every student thrive and achieve more than they thought possible. She leads a dedicated team delivering inspirational learning that prepares students for their future. Jenny believes colleges should sit at the heart of their communities, working with employers and local partners to support economic growth and social wellbeing.
Jenny is Chair of the Buckinghamshire Skills Strategy Board and sits on both the Buckinghamshire Growth Board and the Strategic Board of the Bucks Health and Social Care Academy. She holds a degree in Economics and Business Economics, a Postgraduate Certificate in Post-Compulsory Education, a Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership and Management, and has completed the Saïd Business School Strategic Leadership Programme at Oxford University.
John McGrath
Chief Operating Officer
John joined the College in 2014 as Director of Finance after two decades in the private sector, including 10 years with Babcock International Group, much of which involved working with education and public services.
A qualified accountant, John brings a strong background in commercial finance and change management. He plays a vital role in making sure the College operates smoothly and efficiently so that students and staff can focus on learning and success.
John joined the College in 2014 as Director of Finance after two decades in the private sector, including 10 years with Babcock International Group, much of which involved working with education and public services.
A qualified accountant, John brings a strong background in commercial finance and change management. He plays a vital role in making sure the College operates smoothly and efficiently so that students and staff can focus on learning and success.
Hannah James
Vice Principal Curriculum and Quality
Hannah has worked in further education for over 20 years, joining the College in 2023. With a deep understanding of post-16 education, she has held a range of leadership roles, including Head of Faculty, Assistant Principal for Learning Innovation, and Head of Teaching, Learning and Assessment.
Hannah is driven by her commitment to students. She leads on developing a high-quality, inclusive and future-focused curriculum that prepares learners for real-world opportunities. Hannah holds a degree in Fine Art, a Postgraduate Certificate in Post-Compulsory Education, and a Master’s degree in Education.
Hannah has worked in further education for over 20 years, joining the College in 2023. With a deep understanding of post-16 education, she has held a range of leadership roles, including Head of Faculty, Assistant Principal for Learning Innovation, and Head of Teaching, Learning and Assessment.
Hannah is driven by her commitment to students. She leads on developing a high-quality, inclusive and future-focused curriculum that prepares learners for real-world opportunities. Hannah holds a degree in Fine Art, a Postgraduate Certificate in Post-Compulsory Education, and a Master’s degree in Education.
Tracey Matthews
Vice Principal Commercial and Partnerships
Tracey’s journey into education began with her own college experience. After working in sectors including engineering, international marketing, software development and banking, she ran her own training company for 20 years before joining the college sector.
Tracey holds a Master’s in Business and Administration with a focus on entrepreneurship. She loves building partnerships with employers to create pathways for talent and training. Tracey is a strong advocate for high-quality apprenticeships and the life-changing opportunities they offer.
Tracey’s journey into education began with her own college experience. After working in sectors including engineering, international marketing, software development and banking, she ran her own training company for 20 years before joining the college sector.
Tracey holds a Master’s in Business and Administration with a focus on entrepreneurship. She loves building partnerships with employers to create pathways for talent and training. Tracey is a strong advocate for high-quality apprenticeships and the life-changing opportunities they offer.
Nicky Ellis
Assistant Principal Student Engagement and Support
Nicky grew up locally and studied Hospitality and Catering at the College before becoming a chef. After gaining industry experience and travelling, she returned to Aylesbury determined to make a difference.
Retraining as a teacher, she specialised in special education with a focus on behaviour. With nearly 30 years in education and as a qualified Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO), Nicky champions inclusion and is committed to helping every student succeed, no matter their background or challenges.
Nicky grew up locally and studied Hospitality and Catering at the College before becoming a chef. After gaining industry experience and travelling, she returned to Aylesbury determined to make a difference.
Retraining as a teacher, she specialised in special education with a focus on behaviour. With nearly 30 years in education and as a qualified Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO), Nicky champions inclusion and is committed to helping every student succeed, no matter their background or challenges.
Oliver Roth
Executive Director MIS and Digital Transformation
Oli started his career on the NHS graduate scheme and has since worked across sectors that make a social impact, focusing on digital transformation. He has been a consultant for the Department for Education and Apprenticeship Service and led major systems and integration projects in social care and housing.
Oli combines strategic thinking with a deep understanding of digital systems. He holds a BA in English from Oxford and an MBA with Distinction from London Business School. At the College, he’s focused on using data and technology to drive innovation and improve the student experience.
Oli started his career on the NHS graduate scheme and has since worked across sectors that make a social impact, focusing on digital transformation. He has been a consultant for the Department for Education and Apprenticeship Service and led major systems and integration projects in social care and housing.
Oli combines strategic thinking with a deep understanding of digital systems. He holds a BA in English from Oxford and an MBA with Distinction from London Business School. At the College, he’s focused on using data and technology to drive innovation and improve the student experience.
Ian Harper
Executive Director Business Development
Ian has worked in education and training since 1996, initially for a major retailer in London and then for 14 years at an apprenticeship training provider in Buckinghamshire. In 2014 he joined Buckinghamshire College Group and Buckinghamshire New University's partnership to oversee the development of University Campus Aylesbury Vale and later worked for the university as its Commercial and Business Development Director and Director of Apprenticeships for six years.
Ian has held various volunteer roles in the county, including 10 years as a governor on the College Corporation. He has been a governor for a primary school and a special needs school, a member of the community foundation's grants panel and is a director for the High Wycombe Business Improvement District.
Ian has a degree in Chemical Physics and holds management qualifications from the Open University. Having lived and worked in Buckinghamshire for most of his life, Ian understands the educational and training landscape in the county and has been a consistent advocate for apprenticeships at all levels.
Ian has worked in education and training since 1996, initially for a major retailer in London and then for 14 years at an apprenticeship training provider in Buckinghamshire. In 2014 he joined Buckinghamshire College Group and Buckinghamshire New University's partnership to oversee the development of University Campus Aylesbury Vale and later worked for the university as its Commercial and Business Development Director and Director of Apprenticeships for six years.
Ian has held various volunteer roles in the county, including 10 years as a governor on the College Corporation. He has been a governor for a primary school and a special needs school, a member of the community foundation's grants panel and is a director for the High Wycombe Business Improvement District.
Ian has a degree in Chemical Physics and holds management qualifications from the Open University. Having lived and worked in Buckinghamshire for most of his life, Ian understands the educational and training landscape in the county and has been a consistent advocate for apprenticeships at all levels.
Ruth Osgood
Executive Director People and Purpose
Ruth is an experienced HR leader with extensive experience in developing people strategies that enable organisations to thrive. Much of her career has been in the technology sector, where she supported complex organisations through change and growth, with particular expertise in employee relations, diversity, leadership development and staff well-being.
Having grown up in Buckinghamshire, Ruth feels a strong connection to the community the College serves. Outside of work, she is a sports enthusiast, drawing on the values of teamwork, resilience and personal growth in both her professional and personal life.
Ruth holds a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Oxford Brookes University.
Ruth is an experienced HR leader with extensive experience in developing people strategies that enable organisations to thrive. Much of her career has been in the technology sector, where she supported complex organisations through change and growth, with particular expertise in employee relations, diversity, leadership development and staff well-being.
Having grown up in Buckinghamshire, Ruth feels a strong connection to the community the College serves. Outside of work, she is a sports enthusiast, drawing on the values of teamwork, resilience and personal growth in both her professional and personal life.
Ruth holds a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Oxford Brookes University.
