Senior Leadership Team
Marcus Smith-Connor
Principal
I am proud of the inclusive, enriching education that we offer, an education that empowers our students to achieve their vision. I love being part of our diverse and welcoming community. A community where every student is supported and challenged to be the best version of themselves. As Principal, I am excited to be taking the College on the next phase of its journey and take seriously my responsibility of ensuring that we remain true to our mission. With two young children of my own, I am incredibly passionate about the importance of a high quality education and work hard to ensure that all our students enjoy a sixth form education which enables them to achieve their potential and fulfil their ambitions for the future.
Kam Rogerson
Assistant Principal - Curriculum
As Assistant Principal - Curriculum, I am responsible for ensuring that our students can enjoy a wide and varied course offer that enables them to achieve at the highest level, and gain the skills and qualifications that they need to successfully take their next step. I really enjoy meeting and talking to our students and I currently teach Travel and Tourism as part of my role. I also lead our staff wellbeing strategy which supports our staff to enjoy a happy and healthy working environment. The students and staff are always very friendly and in my opinion we are the best Sixth Form College in Huddersfield!
Lee Goddard
Assistant Principal - Student Support
As Assistant Principal - Student Support. I am responsible for ensuring that students are happy and safe whilst at College. This includes all aspects of safeguarding. The outstanding services we offer to students are at the heart of ensuring that they can excel academically and personally. I really enjoy working with students, and I am also a Progress Tutor, a role which allows me to directly support students with progression to their next steps. This is of course a great way to find out how we can further develop the support for students, and it is incredibly rewarding being able to work with them on an individual level to help them to achieve their ambitions. As a former PE teacher who is passionate about cricket, I am also delighted to be involved in our Sports Academies.
Maria Dean
Assistant Principal- Teaching and Learning
As Assistant Principal- Teaching and Learning, I am responsible for ensuring that students are given the best possible learning experience when they attend our college. I am passionate about teacher self-improvement and continue to work with staff to embed current research-based evidence to ensure good quality teaching takes place on a daily basis. I believe in constantly upskilling to ensure teaching and learning is not a static process. I love being in the classroom and still lead and teach on the A level 3D Design course. With two children of my own I know the importance of good education. When I’m not working I enjoy spending time with my family, walking, reading and watching Huddersfield Town!
John Flynn
Chief Finance Officer
As Chief Finance Officer, I am responsible for looking after the finances of the College to ensure that we are sustainable, and our funds are invested in a way that ensures our students excel. I also line manage the College's HR function, which works to ensure that we recruit the very best staff. My role sees me making sure that the bank balances are healthy, which involves managing the College’s cash flow and ensuring we are financially stable and can provide the services and support our young people need. Some of my key responsibilities include, completing financial returns, producing monthly management accounts, and financial forecasts for the next two to three years. I also manage and administer the College Bursary Fund from the government, which helps remove barriers to education by providing financial support to students who need it. When it comes to the College finances, I like them to be “reassuringly dull”, that is, where there are no nasty surprises! Outside of work I like spending time with my family. I’m a bit of an antiques fiend too – anything old fascinates me, and I’ve recently taken up cycling again.
Catherine Cushnie
Assistant Principal - Student Development
As Assistant Principal - Student Development I am responsible for supporting our students with their personal development and career planning. This starts right from the moment they apply to us, as I am the strategic lead for Admissions, working to ensure our applicants are genuinely matched with the study programme best suited to their ambitions. I take a lead on the content of our Aspire Programme and work closely with the careers team to ensure students have the necessary information to make informed decisions about their careers plans. I also work with our committed and experienced team of Progress Tutors who support and challenge students to develop the employability and life skills required for their next steps. I love working with students to help them identify their long-term vision before supporting them to complete the necessary study, volunteering or work experience to make that vision a reality. The time students spend at Huddersfield New College is a transformative period in their lives and I’m lucky to be a part of their journey. Outside of work, I like spending time with my family, experimenting in the kitchen with my two young children and getting out into nature to relax.
