Paul Wakeling

Paul has over 30 years of successful experience within the further education sector and is understands that the quality of leadership of colleges has a direct impact on student achievement and progression and on the community.

Paul was Principal and CEO or 15 years of a successful sixth form college as well as Principal of a medium sized GFE and the Group Deputy Principal of a very large multi campus group. Paul was a also a senior leader in a very successful national online training provider. During his time as a Principal Paul demonstrated a real commitment to leadership development both in his own (Harvard Kennedy School and Oxford Said) but also in contributing to the leadership programmes of the time including the Principal’s Qualification and the Aspiring Principals’ Programme. Paul has now helped to design and deliver the ETF Stepping into Leadership, Leading from the Middle and Aspiring Senior Leader programmes. Alongside this Paul provides consultancy to colleges and training providers on leadership, curriculum and quality. This work has involved supporting and challenging senior leaders and governing bodies in developing and delivering strategy. Work has included FE Colleges, Sixth-Form Colleges, local authorities, sector bodies and training providers.

Paul has undertaken External Board Reviews, using his experience and understanding of leadership and governance to provide key recommendations. A recent client has commented ‘Paul demonstrated a keen understanding of our organization’s needs and effectively discerned areas where our governance structure could be further optimised. Paul provided valuable insights into shaping and monitoring strategy, offering practical recommendations that have proven instrumental in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of our governance processes’.