Philip Grant

Philip Grant is an established education leader with a background in land-based, general further education and secondary education. He became Principal of Writtle College on 1 May 2025.

During Philip's 30-year career, he has held senior positions in land-based colleges, general further education colleges and within secondary academy trusts across the UK. He sits on several education boards and has facilitated significant changes to education in deprived areas across the UK, resulting in strong student outcomes. He works closely with local communities and has forged valuable and sustainable collaborations with industry employers.

In 2011, he led the successful merger and relaunch of a land-based college with the University of Cumbria, and his most recent role has been leading curriculum growth and enhancement in a large Merseyside college group.

Philip is passionate about the environment, sustainability and self-sufficiency, having previously farmed his own smallholding within a hill farming community in Scotland.

Originally from a non-equestrian background, Philip is a qualified British Horse Society Riding Instructor, has competed under International Federation for Equestrian Sports rules in both two and three-day events, played polo in the Middle East, and is an experienced British Eventing organiser.

One of Philip’s home-bred horses, Henry (also known as WH Bentley), achieved a gold medal at the World Equestrian Games in 2007.