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Leadership Hub
The Leadership Hub is a development programme for NCG colleagues that aims to instil a supportive and inclusive culture across our Group that supports both our wider aims and strategic objectives within the FE sector.
Find out moreMeet the Team
Sarah McGrath
Principal of Carlisle CollegeSarah became Principal of Carlisle College in 2021, after a number of years leading quality and curriculum as Assistant Principal. Before becoming part of the Senior Leadership Team, Sarah taught Maths and English for Adults, along with a range of Art and Craft classes. With over 20 years of experience in Further Education, Sarah is passionate about the difference it can make to people's lives, and is driven by widening participation and improving life chances of the people of Carlisle and beyond. Sarah is passionate about Cumbria, and chose this area to raise a family. She loves the outdoors - particularly walking, climbing and surfing. Sarah also loves crafts, especially anything fabric based and making clothes.
Christian Thersby
Vice Principal of Curriculum and QualityChristian became Vice Principal at Carlisle College in 2021 and has worked in Education since 2004. Prior to this his career saw him spend 8 years in the Chemical Industry working for a large multinational corporation. Christian studied Sport Science at Liverpool John Moores University, before gaining a PGCE and Masters in Education at the University of Huddersfield. He then taught as a Sport and UPS lecturer in Yorkshire, progressing to Curriculum Lead, then Head of Faculty for multiple curriculum areas including Teacher Education. Christian is passionate about helping young people get the best start, and has also worked with the probation service, youth offenders, and disengaged young people. Originally from Yorkshire, Christian loves Cumbria and relocated here for the role with us. A huge sports fan, Christian is a Bradford City season ticket holder and a youth football scout. He also loves the outdoors and is a keen mountain biker, competing in the Extreme Mega Avalanche Race.
Jack Redpath
Assistant Principal - CurriculumJack joined us as Assistant Principal in 2024. Prior to joining Carlisle College, Jack lectured in Strength and Conditioning at Newcastle College, also part of NCG, before becoming Head of Curriculum at Newcastle, for the School of Music and Performing Arts. Jack has a background in Sports Science, and an MBA in Educational Leadership. Some of Jack’s key accomplishments include the development of Bootcamps, writing Degree Programmes in conjunction with employers, and the development of stakeholder partnerships to influence and co-design curriculums. A keen sportsman with a background in Rugby and contact sports such as Boxing and Thai Boxing, Jack also loves camping and fishing, spending most of his time in the outdoors. Jack originally got into teaching through his Music career where he was a professional drummer.
Laura Whiteley
School Liaison and Transition Co-ordinatorLaura is the School Liaison and Transition Co-ordinator and has been at the College for nine years. Laura started at the college as a Beauty Therapy lecturer and has gained almost nine years of teaching experience. Laura has recently followed her passion of helping school children make informed choices to help them with their career by transitioning to this role. Laura has created strong connections with schools to establish the importance of every student being provided with the correct IAG for all future opportunities.
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 TutorI am a course leader & lecturer in Business. I was a student at this college from 2009 to 2012, where I studied Level 2 & Level 3 Travel and Tourism. I had a great time at the college and after completing my course, I decided to attend university in Southampton. I graduated with a First Class BA Hons Degree in International Tourism & Business Management. I have experience working in retail management and the hospitality industry, both in the UK and overseas. After gaining this experience, I returned to college as a lecturer to share my industry knowledge and experience with students. It was my college tutor who inspired me to pursue this role. Now, I hope to inspire today's learners for the future and help them achieve their goals.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.