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Staff Profiles

What our new staff have to say about us!

Working here at Warrington & Vale Royal College has been the best working experience I have ever had.”
I feel supported by my managers. Even after just 3 months I feel that I have got to know people, systems and processes.”
The HR team were very responsive and supportive.”
The recruitment process was very clear and open. I felt supported throughout and knew what was expected of me.”
Everybody I had any dealings with were professional, courteous and efficient. It was a seamless process.”

Meet our staff

Andy Atkin Director Apprenticeships

Andy Atkin, Director of Quality - STEM & Apprenticeship Delivery

" I joined the college in 2014 as a lecturer and was promoted to Curriculum Manager in 2016 and then to Director in 2020.

My current job entails providing senior leadership in my Curriculum & Apprenticeship team areas, managing an Assistant Director and a number of Curriculum Managers, developing a career-led curriculum to meet students’ and employers’ needs, working on external projects, meeting with employers, attending meetings and training, mentoring staff, completing quality-led activities, and assisting with recruitment for both students and staff.

I am currently studying for a Masters in Educational Leadership. The programme provides valuable leadership and management training, and development opportunities.

Prior to joining the college, I was a bricklayer and junior site manager for 15 years, working in domestic, housing, and commercial sectors. I completed my PTLLS teaching qualification (Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector), and then progressed on to do my Certificate in Education, during which time I volunteered at Accrington and Rossendale College.

I get a great sense of pride from my students and staff achievements. I joined the teaching profession so I could pass on my skills to the future generations. The college provides a good work-life balance, with excellent benefits, which includes a generous annual leave entitlement, competitive salaries, access to a free gym and free on-site parking.

To thrive at the college, you need to deal well with pressure and be very organised. Teaching is all encompassing and demands a degree of flexibility. Staff also need to be able to deal with student behaviour and communicate effectively with all stakeholders.

I love working at the college and aspire to work towards an executive management role."

Ben Brady Assistant Director

Ben Brady, Assistant Director for Curriculum

"Within this diverse role, I line manage Art and Design, Performing Arts, Business and IT courses at the college, whilst also line managing the Curriculum Managers for Games, Media and Photography, Health and Social Care, Foundation Learning, Sports, and Public Services.

My main focus is to ensure a strong and consistent learning experience across college. Within my role I also teach on a range of Art and Design courses, which helps me keep in touch with the daily challenges faced by our teachers and to ensure that actions are put into place to resolve these.

A typical week will see me attending meetings at various levels across college, attending external events to inform strategic planning and development, supporting curriculum managers in 1:1 sessions, meeting with parents and external stakeholders, managing registers, timetabling, monitoring attendance, student progress, retention and achievement, and teaching. Each day is incredibly varied, and it is important to remain responsive to issues as and when they arise.

I studied GCSEs and A Levels, and then completed a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design at Mid Cheshire College. From there I went on to complete a BA Honours in Fine Art at Liverpool Hope University, followed by a PGCE in Further and Higher Education with Manchester Metropolitan University. To further deepen my knowledge of Fine Art I completed a Post Graduate qualification in Fine Art at the University of Chester.

My background is in lecturing, having worked as an Associate Lecturer in Fine Art at the University of Chester, and then an Art and Design Lecturer at Mid Cheshire College.

I love working at the college as each day throws up new challenges. It is incredibly rewarding to see students develop their skills, confidence and knowledge during their time in education, and to witness their positive destinations. There is a strong support network at the college, where we all help each other to achieve a common goal, supporting students to reach their full potential.

Managing teaching, managerial and leadership responsibilities is challenging, and I have to constantly juggle lots of tasks at the same time, often working to tight deadlines.

My ambition is to support the college on its journey to outstanding. I also wish to continue on my own professional journey into senior leadership."

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