Writtle College senior team and course leaders

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

View Philip's full profile.

Lindsey brings bringing over 22 years of experience in the further education sector, with the majority of her career spent in land-based colleges.

She began her journey as a lecturer in Animal Management, specialising in science-based subjects, before progressing into leadership roles.

Over the years, Lindsey has held positions including Head of English, Maths, and Additional Learning Support. She continues to support staff and students in delivering high-quality education and fostering a positive, forward-thinking culture.

Jo is Safeguarding Manager at Writtle College, and part of the Student & Library Services team.

Kate is an experienced senior leader in the further education sector, with a strong track record in quality improvement, professional development, and curriculum enhancement. She has led successful quality assurance initiatives, supported staff development, and played a key role in achieving positive inspection outcomes.

Passionate about pedagogy and student success, Kate brings a strategic and collaborative approach to driving continuous improvement and fostering a culture of excellence in teaching and learning.

Sarah started working part-time at Writtle College 33 years ago, alongside running her own equine business. She then began working here full-time in 2000 as an equine lecturer and course manager, before progressing to become a curriculum team leader for the equine and work-based animal department. 

Currently, Sarah is the curriculum manager for the Animal departments, supporting curriculum teams with the delivery of high-quality education and ensuring that students receive an exemplary learning experience. 

Beth manages the Learning Support Team, who deliver inclusive, high-quality support across the college. Beth helps to delivery a range of specialist support to help remove barriers to learning before, during and after leaving Writtle, while also promoting staff training and awareness around SEND, neurodiversity, and accessibility.

Mark helps students with students' future plans, whether they're yet to decide or they have an idea in mind.

Encouraging students to think through their skills, interests and motivations, Mark helps them decide what their future might look like. He also provides guidance to students with UCAS applications and job searches, offering both group and individual sessions.

Alex is responsible for the planning of the Conservation, Horticulture, and Floristry departments, overseeing quality assurance and methods of improving student experience and achievement.

Part of Alex's role involves liaising with employers, to make sure our courses reflect the knowledge and skills that industry needs. He also arranges project opportunities so that students can gain practical experience.

Previously a lecturer in animal studies, Alex studied a BSc in Zoology. He then gained industry experience managing woodland habitats, working with animal collections and managing freshwater habitats with local angling clubs. At Writtle College, Alex supports the delivery of conservation courses.

Laura oversees the delivery of both Equine and Work-based Animal programmes as Curriculum Team Leader. She started at Writtle in 2014, working as Yard Co-Ordinator before moving to the lecturing team.

With extensive experience in the equine sector, previously working in various well-established equestrian competition and training centres, Laura is committed to creating engaging, practical learning opportunities that combine academic excellence with hands-on experience.

Working closely with staff, learners, and industry partners, Laura ensures the curriculum reflects current practices and innovations, inspiring students to achieve their full potential in this dynamic and rewarding field, while enjoying their time at Writtle College.

Gemma began her academic journey at Writtle College, where she completed a Level 3 National Diploma followed by a BSc in Animal Science.

In 2007, she began working here as a Visiting Officer before gaining Assessor and Internal Verifier qualifications, as well as a PGCE, and moving into teaching and assessing roles.

Gemma joined the Apprenticeship Team in 2022 as the Apprenticeship Curriculum Manager. Here. she's responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing high-quality apprenticeship programmes.

As Curriculum Team Leader for Animal Courses at Writtle College, Laura plays a key role in shaping programs that equip students with the practical skills and knowledge needed for careers in animal care and related industries.

By working in partnership with staff, learners, and industry experts, Laura ensures the curriculum stays aligned with current practices and innovations, while overseeing the running of the Animal department.

Vicki has been part of the team at Writtle College since 2017.

As Curriculum Team Leader in Veterinary Nursing and Dog Grooming, she helps students to develop the practical skills and knowledge they need to thrive in these industries.

At Writtle College, Hannah is responsible for overseeing the running of the day-to-day life of the Agriculture department.

This includes planning the curriculum and resources, developing classes and practical sessions tailored to suit industry needs, and delivering lessons in her own subject specialism of livestock production.

Hannah is passionate about showing best practice when it comes to UK agriculture; be that in terms of improving animal welfare, using new technologies to enhance sustainability, or ensuring that students get the best teaching experience and opportunities to put theory into practice.

As Curriculum Team Leader for Sport courses at Writtle College, Rob oversees the running of the Sport department.

Rob is passionate about delivering high-quality, industry-focused programmes that prepare students for successful careers in the sport sector, while also overseeing the day-to-day running of the department.