Currently principal and CEO of Warrington and Vale Royal College, Nichola is a skilled and determined leader in Further Education, with expansive, sectoral knowledge and professional experience spanning 30 years. Values-driven and customer-focused with a demonstrable track record of achievement, Nichola is a passionate advocate of further education as transformative with a strong belief in education and skills as a key driver of economic recovery and growth. 

Nichola sees the college as an anchor institution within the communities it serves, with core responsibilities to provide progressive education and skills training and life-long learning that is inclusive and adding in social value. Nichola strives to make the college a happy, vibrant, sustainable place to work and study, placing a great deal of emphasis on the health and wellbeing of the people within the college community such that they thrive.

Nichola holds a BA (Hons), a PGCE, a Masters in Research and the CIM Diploma in Marketing.

Hailing from Poynton, Cheshire, Nichola now lives in Manchester and identifies as a ‘proud Northener’. Nichola is a mother of identical twin girls, both of whom have recently completed their studies at University and are contemplating next steps. Nichola is a lover of the great outdoors and she champions the protection of the environment, animals and wild, natural spaces. A keen walker, open water swimmer and a Pilates teacher, Nichola is also an advocate of healthy ageing.