Association of Colleges

Pat was born in the 1950s in North West London. Following A levels, she successfully applied for an Executive Officer's post and joined the then Department for Health for 12 months. A change of direction resulted in a BA honours degree from the University of Leicester before 5 years in Retail Management. The opportunity to move into teaching arose at Stoke College, which was the beginning of a 30 year career in further education, which created the opportunity for further professional development; the certificate in Education and an MBA followed. In 2002, Pat became Principal of St Helens College. Pat was elected President of AoC for a 12 month period starting 1 August 2009. She was appointed to the board of Becta, the government body responsible for ensuring technology is used at its best in the education system in February 2010 and recently became a Director of Foundation Degree Forward. Pat retains her Directorship of St Helen's Chamber, as well as her membership of the LSC Regional Council and Regional Skills and Employment Board in the North West.