Meet our Tutors
Our tutors are industry experts who can share their knowledge and expertise with you. Here, you can get to know our tutors and find out a little bit more about their background and why they love to do what they do.
Calum Wright
Head of Curriculum - Construction and Technical ServicesI attended Carlisle College to study Painting and Decorating in 1998 when I was 16 years old. I then worked for 20 years in the industry before I decided to get my teaching qualification and return to where it all started. It's very rewarding to be able to pass on my knowledge and inspire the next generation.
Husamettin Kocaturkmen
Business TutorWith a First-Class BA (Hons) degree in International Tourism and Business Management, I bring both academic expertise and hands-on industry experience to the classroom. Over the past four years, I have been teaching and inspiring students in various business disciplines, including customer service, finance, marketing, and event management. Before becoming a lecturer, I gained valuable experience in retail and hospitality management in the UK & abroad, which allows me to share real-life industry insights that enrich my students’ learning experience. I am passionate about business and enjoy connecting theory with practice to prepare students for their future careers. I am particularly excited to support the launch of our T Level in Business Management and Administration and look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with our fantastic team to deliver high-quality education. Teaching is not just my profession—it’s my passion, and I truly enjoy helping our students achieve their goals and aspirations.
Sammy Turner
Beauty TutorI studied Beauty Therapy at Carlisle College 17 years ago. After gaining my qualification I had a wonderful career in the beauty industry, working as a beauty therapist, a development therapist and senior therapist. I gained experience in high street salons, award winning spas and on board cruise ships. 4 years ago I returned to Carlisle College to complete my teacher training. I now feel extremely lucky to be one of those tutors who can share my experiences, passion, skills and knowledge with the current beauty therapy students.
Marc Newrick
HE Computing TutorMarc is a lecturer in Computing, with a focus on Software Development and Cyber Security, teaching from Level 2, all the way up to level 6 (Undergraduate Degree level) at Carlisle College. He has worked at the college for 6 years, having previously worked for a Cumbrian website and web application development agency, working his way up from a Junior to Senior Developer over the course of his career. Having been a student himself at the college, studying a Level 3 in Computing, Marc was once in the position of his students, and can pass on his own experiences and knowledge of breaking into the computing industry, as well using his own industry based experience to support and develop best practice, skills and knowledge in his learners. Marc recently completed his Master of Science (MSc) in Cyber Security at The Open University.
Mathew Cookson
English TutorI was born in Carlisle in 1975, took my A Levels at Carlisle College before studying English at the University of Salford. I trained to be a teacher at the Institute of Education in London, and have taught English for 12 years, five of them at Carlisle College.
Scott Price
Chef and Professional Cookery TutorScott has held an impressive career as a Michelin-trained chef and restaurant owner, and is now teaching the next generation of budding chefs. Scott started his career right here as a student at Carlisle College. Since then his career has seen him work for Gordon Ramsay in London, before launching his own restaurant and concept company in Dubai. in 2021, Scott returned to the UK with his family to run his own business, Moorside Farmhouse - a family-run farm with a luxury holiday cottage - which focuses on high-end country living and homegrown produce. Scott is a firm believer that if you work hard and believe in yourself, anything is possible. The Hospitality business has so much to offer and can take you wherever you wish to go.
James Hill
Chef and Professional Cookery TutorJames began his professional career back in 2004, after completing an NVQ in Professional Cookery right here at Carlisle College. After leaving college he spent time working at the Rampsbeck in Ullswater, before working for Angela Hartnett OBE at the Connaught in London. After then spending time working as a chef in Leeds, James returned home to launch his own restaurant, Bijou, in 2007. James has since gone on to launch 4 more restaurants in Carlisle. Each with their own concept. One his restaurants, Lounge on the Green was awarded 2 AA rosettes, was featured in the Michelin Guide and rated 'Very Good' in the Good Food Guide. James has now returned to Carlisle College to share his experience with the next generation of future chefs, teaching professional cookery alongside running his most recent venture - the Oak at Curthwaite.
Georgia Smethurst
Sports TutorAlongside my role as a Sports Lecturer I continue to work within the sport industry as a UEFA C Coach Developer for the Football Association and Player Development Lead for Carlisle United CST Girls ETC. I have previously worked as an FA Coach Mentor, Advanced Coaching Centre Head Coach and a Women & Girls Development Officer. After completing a BSc in Sports Development, Coaching and Administration in 2018, I acquired my UEFA B Coaching License before completing my PGCE, and more recently, an MSc in Sports Coaching.
Graeme Thompson
Sports TutorHaving graduated from the University of Cumbria with BA (Hons) in Physical Education in 2012, I completed a PGCE (Lifelong Learning) with the University of Central Lancashire in 2014. This was followed by a MSc in Performance Coaching through the University of Stirling, which I completed in 2022. I have over ten years of experience in different sports coaching contexts and have held positions in the Cumberland FA’s Girls’ Advanced Coaching Centre and the FA’s Coach Mentor programme. I also work as a Coach Developer on the FA’s Introduction to Coaching Football course and hope to study for a PhD in the future.
Lauren Glencross
Sports TutorI have always had a passion for sport and competed for Cumbria in athletics from a young age. This eventually allowed me to pursue my undergraduate degree in psychology over in South Carolina USA, on a track and field scholarship. Upon returning home, I qualified as a personal trainer and fitness instructor through Future Fit Training. After gaining experience at the Crown Gym in Wetheral, I took the leap to open my own private small group training facility, LG Well-being, in Carlisle. offering 1-1 and small group personal training, fitness classes including bootcamp and Pilates, and proudly became the city’s first official HYROX training facility in 2024.
Paul Taylor
Tutor for UAL Foundation Diploma in ArtPaul graduated from the Storey Institute, Lancaster with a degree in Fine Art. After moving to Cumbria in 1984 he taught at Cumbria Institute of the Arts. Paul contributed to the development of their Fine Art degree (the first degree award in Cumbria), teaching on it until 2000; Since then he specialised in his passion, Foundation Diploma. With Kate Timney he has presented three papers on the experiences of Carlisle Foundation to conferences of the International Network of Foundation Educators INFE. Alongside this Paul has worked as a practicing artist, exhibiting widely and was director of West Walls Studios from1998 to 2009. He has run public art events in Trafalgar Square, The National Gallery, The British Museum, Somerset House, The Natural History Museum and V & A, and in schools across Cumbria. In 1996 he was artist in residence at the SEAC schools in Hong Kong. From 2005-2008 he was Lead Creative Practitioner with Jan Kelsey at Petteril Bank Primary School for the Creative Partnerships initiative. Since 2009 he has been one of 19 regional Associates of the Campaign for Drawing. Since 1989 Paul has worked as a freelance illustrator, writing and illustrating cartoons and advertising for the award nominated “Animal Defenders” magazine, London; John Lewis Partnership; the Home Office; N.A.V.S; W.S.P.A; The Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, Informer Youth Research in London and New York; numerous marketing companies. In 2012 he designed the branding for the Lion Ark circus animal rescue project and documentary film. He has written and illustrated two books – The Dunmow Changes, based on a long-distance residency with the town of Great Dunmow in Essex, and The Many Lives of Windsor, an illustrated history of the Kings and Queens of England. His most recent illustration project is for the book The Dragon and the Hummingbird by Graham Hall in 2024 and he is currently working on poet Barbara Renell’s book 23. Paul is also the drummer for the band No Soap No Radio, whose second album, 2Birds Falling, was released in August 2024.
Wendy Oxley
Tutor for UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, specialising in FashionWendy is a graduate of Central St. Martins School of Art and Design, London Institute, specialising in Womenswear, with extensive experience in the fashion industry and also costume, performance and creative art direction. Wendy has worked with numerous fashion designers including Alexander McQueen, Ghost, Elizabeth Emmanuel, Whitaker and Malem; fashion editorial for Helen Storey, fashion/ colour predictions with Nigel French, alongside running her own business for many years. Wendy's commercial practice includes: Wardrobe/stylist assistant to British video artist and music director Chris Cunningham (creator of Madonna’s -Frozen), Orange commercials; Creative art direction and lead stylist for legendary Japanese guitarist Tomaso Hotei’s (featured on the “Kill Bill” soundtrack) “Supersonic Generation” album cover and merchandise; amongst styling for other bands in industry, costume for Ian Dury and Billy Connolly. Wendy's film wardrobe experience includes: Wild West starring Dawn French and Catherine Tait (2002), Warner Brothers, “24 hrs in London” (2000) with Sarah Stockbridge; the BBC; Baby Cow productions for Channel 4 – “Human Remains” (2000) starring Rob Brydon, Julia Davis and Ruth Jones - with the costume team winning the Royal Television Society (RTS) award for best costume. Theatre experience includes single-handedly sewing 16 outfits for Ballet Rambert’s 'Cheese' at Sadlers Wells in 2001.
Vicky Johnston
Head of Curriculum for Care ServicesI have been at Carlisle College for 12 years. I started as in Early Years Level 3 course tutor, I then went on to be Quality Manager, Curriculum Team Manager for Health, Care and Services, and am now Head of Curriculum for Care Services. I am also a safeguarding officer for the department and the college's wellbeing ambassador. In industry, I have worked in a variety of roles including a Nanny and Community Nursery Nurse, before going on to own and manage my own nursery for 12 years. I was also an OFSTED inspector in Early Years. I love my job because I can help learners achieve their goals and every day is so different!
Peter Cunningham
Business TutorI studied Hotel management at Carlisle College after I left Trinity, and moved south to work in the hotel industry for several years before moving to airport passenger catering at London Stansted Airport. I developed my career working in area manager roles for Greene King, Whitbread, Starbucks, and most recently Odeon Cinemas where I was area manager for East Scotland. I made the move to education for a variety of reasons, the main one being my belief that I had so much to offer new students by way of industry knowledge that could help provide context to my lessons. Hilary Clinton said “Don’t confuse having a career with having a life” and this is a belief I subscribe to, and working at this college allows me to achieve the correct work-life balance in a job that gives me more satisfaction and sense of achievement than any other job I have had.
Claire Goffin
Early Years TutorI have almost 30 years of experience in education. Starting out as a Teaching Assistant before completing my NNEB and qualifying as a Nursery Nurse. After a couple of years, I decided to complete my degree and gain Qualified Teacher Status. In my early career, I taught Early Years and KS1 before teaching KS2. I have been an Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion where I was DSL and SENDCo for a number of years. I worked within an academy as an Associate Headteacher across three primary schools - here I delivered the NPQML/SL courses. Finally, I have supported a school as an Acting Headteacher. I love education and I'm really passionate about it, particularly in ensuring that our next generation of educators are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need, both professionally and personally.
Jo Knighton
Early Years TutorMy career experience has been within early year settings working with children between the ages of birth – five years old. As a nursery practitioner I enjoyed developing relationships with children and their families, to help support their learning and development, I found this really rewarding. It was a natural progression for me to then move into management, enabling me to lead staff and create a safe, stimulating environment for the children. Academically, I have a BA (Hons), Early Years Professional Status (EYFS) and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). As much as I enjoyed working within the industry, I also wanted to be able to pass my knowledge on to our learners and inspire the next generation of practitioners.
Suzanne Sunderland
Early Years TutorI have been part of Carlisle College for 10 years in a variety of teaching and assessing roles. I currently teach Level 2 and Level 3 Early Years Educator courses. Before working at Carlisle College I had a successful childminding business, was a deputy manager in a private nursery, and was an Early Years adviser for the Local Authority. I am passionate about developing outstanding experiences for young children and their families, to nurture learning and development. Through all my previous experience, I can pass on my knowledge to learners and inspire new practitioners.
Mhairi Beattie
Early Years AssessorI've worked at Carlisle College since 2013 teaching and assessing across Early Years and Teaching Assistant courses. I started my Early Years journey as a nanny at home and abroad and also fulfilled roles as a play worker and childminder. I then went on to work as an Early Years NVQ Assessor and delivered vocational pathways in Early Years before coming to Carlisle College. One thing I love about my job is being part of the learner's journey and helping them grow.
Georgina Robinson
Early Years Tutor / AssessorI am an Early Years Tutor/Assessor and have been working at Carlisle College for 18 months. I have experience as a Special Attachment Welfare Assistant, Teaching assistant, Nursery Manager, Yoga Teacher, and Mum! One thing I love about my job is the variety, no two days are the same!
Simon Bell
Senior Training Advisor - DigitalWith over 30 years of IT industry experience, encompassing roles in Internal IT for a global property company, consulting for a Berkshire-based Managed Service Provider, and latterly serving as a Sales Engineer for North American software vendors, I bring extensive industry knowledge and expertise to my work. During my tenure in these roles, I have had the opportunity to train IT Technicians on various technologies. This has ultimately led me to Carlisle College and over the last year I have focused on guiding and preparing the next generation of IT professionals.
Lucy Newrick
Computing and Business TutorI began working at Carlisle college during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and since then I have taught across level 1 & 2 courses all the way up to our degree courses in both Computing and Business. Before joining the college, I have worked in a range of different industries including retail, hospitality, marketing, and management. Alongside this, I have also continued my own education and gained qualifications which include a BA (Hons) Performing Arts, and an MSc in Business Management and Finance. Working in education is something I love doing, because it allows me to build connections with learners and see them flourish in a subject they are passionate about.
Alicia Van Rotterdam
Health and Social Care TutorI have been teaching at Carlisle College since September 2023. I teach the Level 1 Pathways to Care and the Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Health and Social Care courses. One thing I love about my job is hearing the learners tell me they have received offers to study nursing, midwifery, and paramedic science at universities up and down the country. It is lovely knowing that I have made a positive difference!
Rachel Marshall
Progress Coach and Safeguarding LeadI have worked at the college for 14 years and I currently look after all the support needs for students in the Care department. This includes all safeguarding concerns both in the Care department and across the college. I also look after all of the care experienced/cared for students. One thing I love about my job is supporting the students with their wellbeing.
Vicky White
Science Tutor within CareI am a Science lecturer within the Care department. I teach on Access to HE Health, Level 3 Health and Social Care, and GCSE Biology. I have worked at the college for 12 years, and have over 15 years of teaching experience, having been a Science teacher since 2009. I have also previously worked in a Microbiology food testing laboratory. One thing I love about my job is getting students to where they need to be.
Chloe Notman
Health and Social Care TutorI have been working at Carlisle College since June 2024. I currently teach Steps, Level 2 Pathways to Care, and Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care. I have 9 years of experience in Health and Social Care, working in a variety of services such as learning disability, mental health, dementia, and day care services. I am a qualified Primary School Teacher. One thing I love about my job is watching students progress, flourish, and become more confident in their skills and abilities.
Danielle Lawrence
Access to HE: Humanities and Social Sciences TutorI have worked at the college for 4 and a half years in various teaching roles. Before coming to the college, I studies Criminology and Social Science at the University of Cumbria. One thing I love about my job is meeting all the students and seeing them apply and expand their knowledge.
Jenna Prince
Travel and Tourism TutorJenna has a wealth of experience across both Business and Tourism. Before joining Carlisle College as a tutor, Jenna originally started her career in the Beauty industry, before moving into Tourism, where she worked for British Airways as Cabin Crew, and Lifestyle Holidays. Jenna then moved into business and training roles, which included retail management for popular high street retailer Mango. Jenna joined Carlisle College in 2018, and has taught both Business Studies and Travel and Tourism, where she is passionate about working with students to gain the skills and knowledge, they need to successfully start their careers.
Amanda Collinson
English TutorAmanda studied at Durham University before completing a PGCE at St Mary's in Newcastle.She has been teaching for 41 years, mainly in secondary education and mainly in Cumbria, where she was born and bred. For the past four years Amanda has been teaching English at Carlisle College.
Andrew Russell
Maths TutorI have taught Mathematics for 35 years in a variety of schools in the North East and have been teaching Mathematics at Carlisle College for the past 5 years.
Julia Flora
Health and Social Care TutorI have been working at Carlisle College since December 2023. I currently teach on the Level 3 Access to Health programme and the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care. I have over 20 years of experience in Health and Social Care, working in a variety of settings including mental health, learning disabilities, elderly care, and managing day centres for homeless people and families. One thing I love about my job is the opportunity to be able to see how students progress throughout the courses and how they can make their dreams of getting into a certain profession in health a reality.
Amber Murray
Progress CoachI am a Progress Coach and member of the Safeguarding Team, and it is my job to ensure all students feel safe in college. I monitor attendance and support students during their college career. One project I am working on is our “End Hate” campaign to help educate against discrimination. I enjoy travelling. I spent about a year working as an ESOL teacher in Senegal and another year travelling in North America. I have an MA in Politics from the University of Glasgow and now I am looking to help and support others in their journey through education.
Simon Jamieson
Sports TutorI have been teaching as part of the sports team at Carlisle College for 18 years. I attended the University of St. John in York and graduated in 1998 with a BA Hons in Physical Education. My previous experiences include coaching football locally at grass-roots level and working with Carlisle United’s youth football academy before starting at the College. I have gained coaching qualifications in a wide range of sports including La crosse and dodgeball and enjoy understanding the different components and skills that make up a sport. I have recently completed the L2 gym instructor’s qualification which I really enjoyed. This has allowed me to consider the use of fitness training and how it improves overall sports performance.
Charlotte Goldie
Accounting TutorI am a dedicated accounting lecturer and member of the Association of Accounting Technicians with a BA (Hons) in Business Management and a passion for supporting learners on their journey into the profession. I completed my AAT qualifications via the apprenticeship route gaining first-hand experience of balancing study with workplace responsibilities. Since 2016, I have worked across both accounting practices and industry, allowing me to bring a well-rounded perspective to my teaching. Having been an apprentice myself, I understand the unique challenges and rewards of learning while working. This allows me to provide tailored guidance to my learners and apprentices helping them manage their time effectively and apply their studies to real-life scenarios. At Carlisle College, I teach Levels 2, 3, and 4 Accountancy courses, helping students develop the technical skills and confidence needed for a successful career in finance. I particularly enjoy breaking down complex topics, such as bookkeeping controls and financial reporting, and seeing students have those ‘lightbulb’ moments.
Lynn Nicholson
Hair and Beauty TutorLynn brings a wealth of experience to the hair and beauty department, with over 20 years of dedicated service at Carlisle College. Starting her career at Carlisle College as an assessor and technician, Lynn completed her Certificate in Education and has since become an invaluable mentor to countless students. Lynn understands that school may not have been the right fit for some students, and she takes pride in seeing them grow into confident individuals who become valued members of the community. She loves being part of their journey, helping them transform into professional therapists and stylists. Lynn is dedicated to creating an empowering and supportive learning environment for all learners and is deeply committed to inclusivity and sustainability. She founded the Swap Shop at Carlisle College, providing low-income learners with access to appropriate clothing and hygiene products. Her impactful efforts to address period poverty have ensured that personal hygiene items are available in all college restrooms, fostering dignity and support for all.
Ashley Nicholson
Training Co-ordinator - Professional Services - AccountancyI am a member of Association of Accounting Technicians having completed the Level 4 Professional Diploma in Accounting at Carlisle College in 2017 and I also have 9 years’ experience of working in management accounting, pensions, and financial services in the local area. As a Training Co-Ordinator for Professional Services, I work alongside our team of tutors to support our learners to achieve Level 3 and Level 4 Accountancy Apprenticeships. I am keen to understand and work with every learner individually to provide the bespoke and effective support that will help them achieve their goals. Given my first-hand experience of the industry, I feel that I am able to help our learners translate their studies into the workplace and continue to develop the productive relationships that Carlisle College has with the local accounting industry, whilst also contributing to creating the next generation of accountants.