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ABOUT US

Meet the Senior Management Team

MEET THE TEAM

KAREN BUCHANAN

  • Principal of Burnley College and Chief Executive Officer of Themis

Karen previously held the role of Deputy Principal since 2011. Karen has worked in the Further Education sector since accepting a position as a part time computing lecturer at Burnley College in 1986 and, prior to this, enjoyed a career as a Computer Programmer and Systems Analyst at The Prestige Group PLC, British Aerospace and Leyland DAF.

Karen B

SIMON JORDAN

  • Deputy Principal of Burnley College

Former Assistant Principal (Employer Engagement and Skills), Simon’s experience is grounded in providing businesses and individuals with the skills and knowledge needed for success. His previous roles have included Head of Apprenticeships at Runshaw College and Senior Team Leader at North Lancs Training Group, while his professional qualifications include a HND in Hospitality Business Management, a Certificate in Education and a degree-level qualification in Leadership and Management.

Simon J

STUART ARNFIELD

  • Director of Finance and Resources at Burnley College

Stuart is Association of Chartered Accountants (ACA) qualified with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).  His previous senior-level posts have included Director of Finance and Estates at St Helens College; Head of Finance at St Helens College and Internal Audit Manager at PwC.

Stuart A

NEIL BURROWS

  • Director of Skills, Innovation and Employer Engagement at Burnley College

The previous Head of Engineering at Burnley College, Neil brings a wealth of international management experience to his role. A former International Apprenticeship Manager and UK Work Based Learning Manager for the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board, he holds a plethora of advanced and university-level professional Engineering qualifications and has received national recognition for his commitment to training and skills development.

A man stands on an internal balcony at a leading Sixth Form College

SARAH CROSSLEY

  • Assistant Principal (Sixth Form and University) at Burnley College

Sarah started her career at Burnley College as an English Lecturer before accepting the roles of A Levels Curriculum Principal and Head of A Levels. Upon receiving her degree in English and Related Literature from the University of York, Sarah launched her teaching career, and has since completed a Masters in Education. Sarah is currently undertaking a Doctorate in Education, building on her already impressive foundation of skills and knowledge around education and teaching.

Sarah

KATE WALLACE

  • Assistant Principal, Apprenticeships, Adult & Commercial

Kate is the very definition of industry experienced and is a perfect fit as a member of the Burnley College Family. Starting as an Apprentice hairdresser at the age of 16, Kate qualified and worked for the world’s most well-known industry leading names which gave her the fantastic opportunity to travel. Kate then moved into teaching and has worked as everything from a Lecturer to Head of Faculty, Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement, to Assistant Principal for an impressive roster of employers. She says she is excited by the opportunities at Burnley College: “The Campus is fantastic and offers so much to the community. The impact of the College’s investment in industry-leading equipment and facilities has a huge impact on learner’s experience”