Catherine Howett

Deputy Principal

Catherine is now the Deputy Principal for the college, previously joining City of Bristol College, as Vice Principal for Quality and Curriculum in September 2022 having worked in education for over 20 years. Following a varied career in the Creative Industries Catherine started her FE journey as a Level 2 Performing Arts lecturer, at Kingston College, in 2004. She is passionate about raising aspirations and widening participation at all educational levels.

Catherine initially graduated with a BA (Hons) in Film and Theatre studies, before developing her creative work through an MA in Performance Arts. She subsequently attained an MA in Gender, Education and International Development which led to her taking a year sabbatical to lead an HIV / AIDs awareness project which saw her cycling from the UK to Thailand working with numerous education, civic, and community groups along the way.

She was awarded Principal Fellow status from the Higher Education Academy in 2018 for her work in supporting growth and widening participation in HE in FE and her work around championing the development of a research led approach to teaching in HE. As well as working and leading in FE for many years she has also worked in a number of higher education institutions in both the Creative Industries and Education arenas.

Catherine has spent most of her working life in London and the South East but has many personal links in the South West. She now lives with her wife, two children, two cats, and two rabbits in North Somerset. In her spare time, Catherine enjoys a wide range of outdoor pursuits and going to the theatre.

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