Staff

Senior Leadership

• Charles Bartholomew

  Principal

  After training at Manchester Polytechnic School of Theatre, Charles worked as a professional actor in theatre, film and television. His stage work includes productions for Hull Truck Theatre, The Oxford Playhouse Company, Belgrade Theatre Coventry, Contact Theatre Manchester, Orchard Theatre Company and The English National Opera Company. Alongside this, he also had screen roles in Clockwise, Coronation Street and Juliet Bravo. Following the completion of a PGCE in Drama, Charles worked extensively in creative education at Liverpool Community College, Newcastle under Lyme College and, as Assistant Director at Stoke on Trent College, where he had responsibility for Performing Arts, Music and Media. As a teacher, he has taught GCSE, A-Level and BTEC Levels 1, 2 and 3, as well as directing over 40 student productions. Charles was also a BTEC Performing and Production Arts Standards Verifier, assessing the quality of provision across England. Charles has continued to work alongside the industry through the National Skills Academy Creative and Cultural. This has resulted in developing exciting partnerships with The Royal Opera House, Live Nation and The Download Festival. In addition, he continues to act and direct where possible.

• Victoria Smith

  Deputy Principal (DSL)

  Victoria graduated from University of Liverpool, after which she successfully gained a place on the prestigious RBS Graduate Training Scheme. After working in both Edinburgh and London in banking, she later qualified as a teacher of Business & Accounting. Victoria came to LIPA Sixth Form College from Xaverian College in Manchester, where she spent six years as a Teacher of Business and Accounting, Pastoral Manager and Marketing Manager. Victoria’s role as Deputy Principal is varied and covers many aspects of day to day college life. As DSL, Victoria has responsibility for safeguarding and ensuring that all students make positive progress and are able to become the best version of themselves. She is particularly impressed by the talent, passion and commitment of our students, and is proud to work in a college that changes students' lives for the better in every way!

• Edward Pinner

  Assistant Principal - Curriculum & Quality / Head of Acting

  Edward trained on the three-year professional acting course at 'Central' (Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, London) and has worked in theatre, film and television. Theatre credits include, George in Tangled Thread Theatre's world premiere production of Only Forever at The Hope Theatre, London and Zoe's Dad and Mr Grave in David Walliam's Ratburger which toured extensively throughout the UK. Edward’s television credits include: Poirot, The Bill, Have His Carcase (A Dorothy L. Sayers Murder Mystery), Van der Valk, A Touch of Frost, Sitting Pretty and Autopsy: The Last Hours of Marilyn Monroe. Edward has appeared in a number of short films and I was heard as the voice of the Shouting Teacher in Duane Hopkins' award-winning feature film Better Things. In 2015 Edward formed Seeing 2 Sound with musician Chris Long and together created and performed The Horror Show. ​ Edward voiced the role of the 'Captain' in Fireblade Software's computer game Abandon Ship which is now available on Steam. Edward has significant experience as an acting coach and drama teacher having taught acting and audition technique at the Oxford School of Drama and been a visiting lecturer at The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Edward worked extensively at Stratford-upon-Avon College and also worked for the sector skills council for the creative industries, Creative and Cultural Skills, where he had the role of FE Liaison Officer. Edward has been an External Verifier for Edexcel’s Level 2 and Level 3 Performing Arts qualifications and a Learning Advisor for the Royal Shakespeare Company.

• Amy Deane

  Assistant Principal - Inclusion / SENCO

  Amy was previously Curriculum Leader for English at St Helens College. She studied BA French and German at the University of Liverpool before completing a masters’ degree in English Language at Lancaster University. Our SENDCO and Assistant Principal for Inclusion, Amy achieved the National Award in Special Educational Needs Coordination in 2017. She is responsible for overseeing additional learning support in college, leading on the student bursary, and overseeing GCSE English and maths courses. Amy is also Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead. Amy teaches GCSE English Language and she loves finding ways to capitalise on students’ creativity in her English classes through collaboration with the creative department staff.

Subject Heads

• Andrea McDevitt

  Head of Dance

  Andrea has a Masters’ degree in Dance Studies from Liverpool John Moores University, and extensive experience of teaching Dance in Further and Higher Education. Prior to full-time lecturing, she performed and taught freelance nationally and internationally with Gestures and Stark Dance Companies, working with choreographers such as David Massingham, Emlyn Claid and Earl Lloyd Hepburn. Andrea was an outreach dancer for Northern Ballet Theatre and Poetry in Motion and choreographed the opening ceremony for Manchester’s Olympic bid. Her television credits include both the BBC and Granada TV. Andrea believes that analysis and evaluation in Dance practice provides the depth of understanding that is vital to development as a dancer and for career longevity.

• Carmel Moss

  Head of Musical Theatre

  Carmel has worked in further education for over 15 years as a passionate teacher and head of department ranging from entry-level students to HND. After university, Carmel spent some years freelancing in community arts, working with a wide range of participants in various settings as a musician and dance artist. Understanding how far reaching the arts can go, inspires her to ensure students are aware of the different training and employment avenues available. Carmel has worked as a musical director for different shows including devised pantomimes and MTI productions, as well as working with choirs and ensemble groups. She is extremely passionate about vocal health and committed to regular vocology training which she uses with students. She has worked as a private vocal coach, preparing students for HE auditions ensuring that students are fully prepared and successful in their chosen applications. In her previous college, Carmel was the curriculum leader for performing arts, music, art and design, and hair and beauty meaning that she was responsible for the coordination of a number of different courses, with different awarding bodies, and different staff needs. Having strong organisation skills allows her to plan well-designed, thought-out projects that are responsive to the needs of the learners and current industry demands. She has a good network of contacts with HE providers which supports the progression of students.

• Mike Roberts

  Head of Music

  With a Masters’ degree in Music Production, Mike has enjoyed a diverse career encompassing school and university teaching, alongside working as a music and theatre technician and playing bass professionally for ten years. His production company was responsible for a sell-out show, and Mike is an Ashdown-endorsed artist. He performs as part of three bands - an award-winning group, an eight-piece ensemble and a three-piece function band. Mike believes in a practical approach to learning in which students’ develop holistic skills with a mixture of critique and support to succeed in the professional music industry.

• Theresa Hailwood

  Head of Technical Theatre & Design for Performance

  A LIPA graduate, Theresa came to us from Coleg Cambria, where she taught Production Arts for four years. Throughout her teaching career, she has taught both Level 2 and 3 across different specifications (BTEC, OCR, UAL and apprenticeships) and since 2016 she has also been a Standards Verifier for BTEC in Performing Arts. She has professional experience as a freelance stage and production manager and also worked in the production department for the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. Alongside teaching, Theresa runs a community-focused theatre company in North Wales for 7-19 year olds. Theresa’s approach is industry-focused, enabling her students to develop skills and experience that they can take into the production arts workplace.

Teaching Staff

• Eddie Chinn

  Teacher of Musical Theatre

  A LIPA graduate, Eddie has 15 years’ experience of teaching in Further Education. He has worked as an actor/practitioner on a number of national tours, and spent time in Romania, working with orphans and street children to develop confidence through drama. Eddie founded and directed the Merseyside Young People’s Theatre and is a former board member of the Everyman Theatre Youth Theatre. He continues to be active in the industry, enabling him to offer students currency and honesty of practice and professional industry links. Eddie provides students with a safe space to take risks and explore creativity, offering constructive and honest feedback.

• Beckie Price

  Teacher of Musical Theatre (Singing)

  Beckie has been teaching for 10 years, and trained as a Musical Theatre performer at Italia Conti. Since 2012, she has been managing director of her own performing arts academy, which specialises in vocal coaching and singing. She is currently studying for a certificate in modern vocal training. Beckie is very much an interactive teacher who loves to create and collaborate with students. Her main approach is to build confidence to get the best out of singers - for them to know that every voice is unique and to be proud of their voices.

• Abbie Coughlan

  Teacher of Dance & Musical Theatre

  A LIPA graduate, Abbie has worked mainly in the Jazz Dance industry, both nationally and internationally. She has performed on cruise ships, in cabaret shows, dinner spectacles and tribute acts, including Vegas Showgirls UK. As dance captain and lead dancer, she has had responsibility for rehearsals, sourcing costumes and communication with technical teams. Abbie’s experience has given her a deep understanding as to the requirements of professional performance, and her continuing activity in the industry provides currency, networks and links for her students, preparing them for future work and auditions.

• Abi Gibbs

  Teacher of Dance & Musical Theatre

  Abi is a professional dancer who trained at Preston’s College Dance. She completed her BA Honours degree along with her ISTD and RAD teaching qualifications before embarking on her adventure with Disney Cruise Line as a professional Musical Theatre dancer for three years. Abi then went on to complete her PGDE in post-compulsory and further education before opening her own dance school based in Liverpool. She is also a guest teacher for many colleges and schools internationally. Abi is now completing her Masters’ degree whilst working at LIPA Sixth Form College. She offers her students inspiration and experience in the dance industry and is passionate in demonstrating her discipline in classes.

• Brian Campbell

  Teacher of Music

  Brian is a Grammy-nominated musician with over 20 years’ experience in the music industry, plus six years teaching in Further and Higher Education. A founder member of the critically-acclaimed Clinic, he has toured internationally. Working with labels including Domino Records, Universal and Warner Brothers, Brian has released eight studio albums and a number of EPs and singles. He has toured with Radiohead, Arcade Fire, The Shins and Pulp. Brian is co-founder of Exquisite Corpses Records, a label dedicated to bespoke vinyl releases. An ASCAP award-winner for songwriting, he continues to write, record and tour alongside his teaching. Brian feels that work-based learning and research, combined with access to industry contacts and work experience, is the best way for students to learn.

• Ian Driver

  Teacher of Music

  Ian has seventeen years’ experience in teaching Music and Sound Technology. Since receiving a first class degree at university, he has built up a wide range of skills through working in schools and colleges, in both teaching and leadership positions, directing bands, choirs and musicals. Ian still performs and is currently developing a recording studio with a view to creating a community hub for the arts. Ian believes that a lively practical approach is at the heart of learning music, and that this should be combined with how music theory works. He feels that when students step out of their comfort zone, real learning takes place.

• Danny Smith

  Teacher of Music

  Danny joined LIPA Sixth Form College in August 2021, with five years’ experience of teaching music and sound technology. He also has a successful professional career, performing across the country in a range of ensembles. He has recorded and produced music of all genres for himself and other musicians and has experience in writing musicals and directing pit bands and choirs. Danny’s focus is on the practicality of music, with his industry experience allowing him to combine practical knowledge with teaching skills to tailor learning experiences that are engaging and industry-relevant. He believes in encouraging learners to be courageous and to keep progressing, whatever stage of their careers they are at.

• Rob Jones

  Teacher of Music

  Rob is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who joined LIPA Sixth Form College in January 2023 following three years as a freelance musician. Prior to that, Rob was Head of Music at Gateacre School for thirty years, a large and successful music department, noted for, amongst other things, an inclusive and practical ethos, large numbers opting to study music at GCSE and A-Level and high-quality public performances. In addition, former students have successfully pursued careers in the music industry, as performers, live sound engineers, session musicians, studio owners and producers. In his teaching, Rob aims to make good use of both his academic background and the practical experience gained from over forty years as a gigging musician, allied with his lifelong love of music in all its forms.

• Lyndsey Healey

  Teacher of Dance/Deputy DSL/Assistant SENCO

  Lyndsey came to LIPA Sixth Form College from the City of Liverpool College, where she taught across all age ranges and levels. She has worked nationally as a choreographer, performer and youth arts practitioner, working with students from primary age through to Higher Education. She has most recently completed a BA in Education from the University of Huddersfield. Lyndsey’s experience in youth arts gives her empathy and awareness of external factors impacting students’ learning, while her work across different levels of Dance supports her students as they look forward to career possibilities. Lyndsey’s classes offer students the opportunity to make mistakes until they succeed.

• Jenny Rees

  Teacher of Dance

  A graduate of Northern School of Contemporary Dance, Jenny has undertaken further training at The Limon School and Merce Cunningham Studios in New York. More recently, she has achieved an MA with Distinction from Rambert School, where she developed her choreographic practice on the Research for Professional Practitioners course. Jenny has worked professionally as a performer both nationally and internationally, with projects taking her across Europe to countries such as Italy, The Netherlands and Estonia. She is a founder member of Liverpool-based dance company, Taciturn and has choreographed and performed with the company since 2006, including shows for The Edinburgh Fringe Festival at Dance Base and Resolutions at London Contemporary Dance School. Jenny currently works part-time as a dance teacher at LIPA Sixth Form College and has a wealth of teaching experience in FE, HE, and school settings, alongside teaching weekly professional and advanced level open classes. She has worked as a choreographer for both professionals and students, and her pieces have been shown in a variety of platforms, including U.Dance and Can You Dance? Super Convention. Jenny has also worked as a freelance movement director for both theatre and film.

• Lucie Pierce

  Teacher of Dance

  Lucie is a Professional Dancer who is a graduate from Addict Dance Academy. She has recently achieved a BA Hons in Dance and a PGDE in Further Education. Lucie has worked as a performer and choreographer nationally and internationally alongside industry professionals. She regularly partakes in regional opportunities and enjoys networking and collaborating with the dance community. Lucie is adept at preparing students for the demands of the professional dance industry. Lucie’s professional experience has helped her gain knowledge and understanding of the many different pathways of performing arts. Lucie is a passionate advocate of positive reinforcement and building a safe and inclusive environment for students to grow in confidence and knowledge to equip them well for their future!

• Vicky Dawson

  Teacher of Design for Performance

  A LIPA graduate in Theatre Performance & Design, Vicky has also completed her PGCE at Liverpool John Moores University. She has taught at secondary and sixth form level for the past 13 years and has worked on many school and college productions. Vicky passionately believes that students should see as much live performance as possible to influence the development of their critical and design skills. She enjoys working with students on ‘live briefs’ as this gives a real-time context to the design work they are doing and an appreciation of the additional transferable skills needed to work successfully in the production arts industry.

• Tim Lynskey

  Teacher of Acting

  Tim has a BA in Drama & Theatre Studies with Fine Art & Design along with 15 years’ experience in teaching in Further and Higher Education. He has extensive experience as a performer, workshop leader, community and youth arts practitioner, playwright and director. A graduate of the Hope Street Physical Theatre Programme and the Everyman Playwrights’ Programme, he has toured the UK with award-nominated shows. Tim’s specialism is physical theatre and devising, which he has taught at both BTEC and A-Level, and to which he brings a high energy, high momentum approach. He believes in making education a worthwhile, enjoyable and rewarding experience for all.

• Ally Southwell

  Teacher of Acting

  Ally has an MA in Performance Practice, with over 20 years’ experience teaching in schools, FE and HE, and has worked as a freelance workshop leader, director and acting coach. She has been Artistic Director of two small scale theatre companies and has toured nationally with work she has directed or produced. Ally has been an external examiner and Standards Verifier for Performing Arts for 12 years and has witnessed first-hand the enormous impact drama and theatre can have on the individual as well as on communities. Ally believes in giving students as many opportunities as possible, and giving them the confidence to try out new ideas. She creates a safe environment where all students feel valued and therefore feel safe to experiment and push their own boundaries.

• Will Cowell

  Teacher of Acting

  Will trained on the BA Acting and Contemporary Theatre course at East 15 Acting School, specialising in creating new and original work. He then worked extensively in the performing arts industry, predominantly as a director and writer, freelancing and founding & running a successful theatre company - making theatre in London and around the UK. After a commission from Soho Theatre and a place awarded on their prestigious Soho 6 writing programme, and stints as a director at drama schools, life led him to working full time in actor training. Will has taught the UAL qualification for many years and enjoys its practical nature and the opportunity to make and stage exciting productions. Will loves working in Actor Training - studying different styles, practitioners and skills; and is keen to explore new practices and collaboration with his acting students, creating 'high-concept' work. Will is also currently a lecturer in Acting at Performers College and Chester University.

• Chris Tasker

  Teacher of Maths

  Chris joined us in March 2023 with 10 years of experience in the field, including 6 years as a maths coordinator in a special needs setting. He holds a degree in Business Management and a PGCE in Secondary Maths from Liverpool John Moores. Chris takes a multi-approach to teaching maths, using hands-on activities to help students find a way of working out a problem which suits their learning style. His teaching philosophy centers around making maths relatable and fun for his students, and he is known for using real-world applications and relatable scenarios to help his students understand mathematical concepts. Chris brings a sense of enjoyment to the subject, along with some bad Dad jokes. Outside of teaching, Chris owns and coaches a cheerleading team, in which he actively participates.

Administration & Admissions

• Julie Humphreys

  Admissions Officer

  Julie joined us in September 2016 and is the first point of contact for students, parents and visitors with regards to admissions. Julie processes the applications of prospective students. She has a strong background in customer facing roles, office and diary management as previous jobs have included teacher recruitment for both local and international schools and support for staff and students at the University of Liverpool libraries. She has also worked alongside social workers in After Adoption, a charity dedicated to supporting adopted children and adoptive and birth parents. Julie enjoys celebrating students’ achievements and is always on hand to provide administrative support to meet their daily needs.

• Charlotte Whelan

  Receptionist

  Charlotte previously worked for the local authority in a One Stop Shop for 12 years and prior to this worked in other customer service and administrative roles. She loves performing arts, attending dance and theatre schools growing up, was part of school choirs and orchestras where she played the flute. Charlotte joined us in September 2020 to work on reception. She is the first point of contact for students, staff, parents and visitors on site and on the telephone. She also supports the admin team with their admin duties. Charlotte loves watching the students rehearsing and is very impressed at how talented our students are. She finds her job very rewarding seeing how happy the students are living their dreams by doing what they love most.

• Joanne Beesley

  Administrator

  Joanne joined us in September 2016, having worked at the City of Liverpool College for more than a decade, where she undertook a range of administrative functions across different departments. These included the Drop in Study Centres, the Arts Centre and the Apprenticeship Team. Here, she is responsible for tasks ranging from enrolment and looking after student records to collating data, financial activities and communication with parents. Joanne enjoys working within a small committed team, and is impressed by the college’s vibrant atmosphere and the enthusiasm of our students. She is proud to follow students’ journeys and feels that to see them achieve their goals is one of the many rewards of her job.

• Maria Dougan

  Administrator

  Maria came to LIPA Sixth Form College from The Academy of St Francis Assisi, where she worked as a receptionist. Prior to that, she gained over 15 years’ administrative experience working in a secondary school setting. She performed a range of roles including student services manager and specialist school administrator. Maria supports our Administrator and Receptionist on a day-to-day basis. She enjoys being part of a small hardworking administration team and is impressed by the talent she witnesses from both staff and students.

Inclusion & Student Support

• Adam Ward

  Personal Development Tutor

  Adam is currently studying a Masters in Making New Theatre, he has a BA in Drama from Liverpool John Moores University, then a PGCE from Huddersfield University. Since then, he has been a Lecturer in Performing Arts, Drama and Theatre Studies at Harrogate College and Cirencester Sixth Form College. While at Cirencester, Adam also ran the Sundial Youth Theatre Company. Adam has worked for Opera North, Altru Drama, the Storybarn and Liverpool Arts Society as well as writing and directing his own work which has featured at the Hope Street Theatre, Liverpool Fringe Festival, Next Steps Festival, and Show Face Festival. Adam greatly enjoys working with students to help them to achieve their goals and hopes to continue to do that in his role here at LIPA Sixth Form College.

• Leianna Boodaghians-Nolan

  Learning Support Assistant

  Leianna graduated from LIPA with a degree in community drama in 2016 and completed the Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse Playwrights’ Programme. Leianna has a passion for creating and performing her own work - she was inspired by reading Unprotected (Everyman 2006) to write plays that she feels need to be heard, and to create conversation. Previous to starting her role at LSFC Leianna worked as an arts award advisor and drama Teaching Assistant at an alternative provision school in Liverpool for 3 years. Leianna feels her new role brings her passions together and she is able to support students in a creative environment in order to help them to succeed in their chosen discipline

• Kali Diston-Jones

  Learning Support Assistant

  After graduating from LIPA Sixth Form College in 2019 with a UAL Extended Diploma in Music Performance and Production, Kali has gained extensive music industry experience as the drummer of Liverpool five-piece band Monks, touring the UK, supporting critically acclaimed artists, and recording with successful producers. In 2022, Kali attained a BA in Music from LIPA, specialising in Music Production/Composition, and expanded his knowledge on musical disciplines that continually inform his day-to-day life as a professional musician. Kali has a strong belief that project-based learning can offer numerous invaluable skills to students wanting to work in the creative industries and can be hugely beneficial for a diverse range of learning styles.

• Bailey Nickerson

  Learning Support Assistant

  Bailey joined us in early 2023 after obtaining MA in Acting (Company) at LIPA. Prior to this Bailey studied at Western Connecticut State University achieving a BA in Acting. Bailey was nominated for the Irene Ryan Acting Award at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in 2021. She is also a founding member of Live A Little Theatre Co. a touring fringe company whose work has been featured at Manchester Fringe, Camden Fringe, Liverpool Fringe, and Vault Festival. In 2022, the company won Spirit of the Fringe at Liverpool Fringe Festival! Bailey says what she enjoys most about working at LIPA Sixth Form College is working in an environment that hones in on students skills and creativity in order to allow them to thrive.

• Elizabeth Yarwood

  Learning Support Assistant

  Elizabeth has worked as a voice teacher in a variety of settings. She graduated from LIPA in 2019 with a First-Class Degree in Music and prior to this, completed a Foundation Certificate in Popular Music and Sound Technology, also from LIPA. Elizabeth has experience leading many group workshops and choirs as well as gigging in various function and original bands. She is currently working towards her Modern Vocal Training Level 1 qualification. Elizabeth's role is supporting students with both academic and practical skills. Elizabeth enjoys working within a creative environment and is passionate about supporting students in their chosen discipline to develop their skills and progression through their career.

• Ben Webster

  Learning Support Assistant: Maths

  Ben is a Maths teacher with extensive experience of teaching at schools in Merseyside and the greater Liverpool area. He has a degree in Maths and Education Studies from LJMU and a PGCE in secondary maths from Edge Hill University. Ben is also coach of childrens MMA and Brazilian jiu-jitsu at MMA Academy, Liverpool. Ben’s job is to help facilitate the maths resit students lessons, ensuring he supports students and staff in creating a safe and positive learning environment as well as kindle students understanding. When asked what he likes most about working at LIPA Sixth Form College, Ben says, “The atmosphere of the college is second to none, everybody is positive and wants to work together. It is a team and not a group of staff.”

• Madeleine Stenberg

  Learning Support Assistant

  Maddie is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter who graduated from LIPA Sixth Form's first intake in 2018. She then went on to continue her studies at Leeds Conservatoire, completing the course in 2021 with a first class honours degree in songwriting. Since then, Maddie has worked at various music academies, sharing her love for music with other people through teaching music. As well as working in education, Maddie has performed in various different bands and writes music for her own projects, most recently working with members of the Northern Chamber Orchestra on one of their upcoming singles. Maddie is passionate about being back in LIPA Sixth Form College, helping to support the students as they begin their careers in the industry.

• Ildiko Szabo

  Learning Support Assistant

  Ildi has worked in education for most of her career. After graduating from the University of Debrecen in Hungary in 1989 as a Secondary Teacher of English and Russian, she went on to teach English as a foreign language in secondary schools in her hometown of Pécs. She moved to the UK in 1996 and worked as a freelance translator and theatre costume maker for Everyman/Playhouse and Museums of Liverpool before taking a teaching role at Liverpool Community College and Greenbank College as a Pattern Cutting and Textile Design tutor. She has also worked as a secondary school Teaching Assistant supporting children with SEND. Currently, she supports students on Technical Theatre & Design for Performance courses. Ildi’s hobbies include textile art, costume making and anything theatre related. Ildi believes that the dedication and talent our students demonstrate deserves all the support she can offer, whether it is practical, academic or personal.

• Ruth Crane

  Careers & Progression Officer

  Prior to this role, Ruth worked for Liverpool Hope University as part of the student recruitment and outreach team, delivering outreach and support sessions for schools and colleges and providing UCAS guidance. After this Ruth moved on to the Education Faculty at Liverpool Hope, where she supported recent graduates, communicating and supporting professional development events for graduates in their Newly Qualified Teacher Year, as well as tracking their destinations. Having gained her undergraduate degree in Education and Special Educational Needs in 2017, Ruth continues to work towards her Masters qualification in the area of Disability Studies.

• Kim McManus

  Student Counsellor

  Prior to joining LIPA Sixth Form College, Kim worked for a national organisation called We Are With You for 11 years in the substance misuse field whilst also working towards a career in Counselling. After 6 years of study she graduated with a BSc Hons First Class Degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy from Staffordshire University. As an Integrative Counsellor she is qualified in various therapeutic models such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Psychodynamic therapy and Person-Centred Therapy. Following her degree, Kim worked as a Young Person’s Recovery Worker. Kim is here to provide a confidential counselling service that is accessible to all students. She is passionate about providing a safe space for students to share their struggles and truly be themselves so that they can feel heard and supported without fear of judgment. As a result of attending a full-time performing arts school in Liverpool throughout her childhood, Kim has a natural passion and understanding for this industry. This coupled with her experience and love for counselling enables her two greatest passions to work in collaboration.

Technicians

• John Kershaw

  Sound Technician

  A LIPA graduate in Sound Technology, John joined us in September 2017. He is a professional sound engineer with a Masters’ degree in new media production. He has worked as a sound technician in several schools in addition to working as a studio and live sound engineer. John supports staff and students with ICT-related issues and demonstrates the use of sound equipment in studio and live settings. He particularly enjoys working with young people who have a passion for the performing arts.

• Lewis Hawksey

  Theatre Technician

  A LIPA Sixth Form College Graduate, Lewis came to us in June 2022 after working freelance as a Lighting Technician on live events across the country. Lewis has a hands-on approach to all aspects of Theatre and Live Events. His key responsibilities are to demonstrate the use of the theatre equipment to students and to maintain the theatre space and the equipment inside, Lewis also supports all productions throughout the year. Lewis enjoys watching students develop their skills throughout the year.