Heather named college’s new lead on further education, skills

BUXTON & Leek College has named its newly appointed director of further education and skills, who will begin on Monday, July 1.

Currently serving as the deputy principal at Boston College in Lincolnshire, Heather Marks will take over from interim director Phil Briscoe, following the retirement of long-standing principal, Len Tildsley, earlier in the year.

Heather, who has a distinguished career spanning over 20 years in the further education and skills sector, was born and lives in Staffordshire and is excited to be able to serve her local community, building on the college’s “already fantastic achievements”, she said.

“I am absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to lead such a brilliant team at Buxton and Leek College. As someone who has experienced the transformative power of both further and higher education firsthand, I am committed to providing a learning hub for all to access education and skills.

“Buxton & Leek College is instrumental in cultivating the skills and expertise, essential for our region’s growth.

“Our aim is to forge strong partnerships with employers, and educational institutions to create greater opportunities for our communities.”

Heather is also working on a PHD in trauma informed learning in further education and skills.

She is an active member of the American Education Research Association and recently attended the world’s largest annual conference in Philadelphia, where she shared her research findings on social and emotional learning for adolescent learners, post Covid-19.