Meet the Senior Management Team

JASON FAULKNER

Principal and CEO at Burnley College

JASON FAULKNER

Jason is no stranger to the transformative power of education. He brings to his role as Principal and Chief Executive Officer extensive experience spanning education, industry-based partnerships and the Armed Forces. Most recently, Jason served as the award-winning Deputy Chief Executive Officer at the Education Training Collective in Tees Valley, helping to drive the group to an outstanding Ofsted rating. His diverse background gives him a fresh outlook that inspires and motivates both learners and staff at Burnley College.

REBECCA IVERSON

Vice Principal for Quality and Enhanced Learning at Burnley College

REBECCA IVERSON

Rebecca brings over 20 years’ leadership experience across business and education, with a particular focus on Further Education and Alternative Provision. She has held a range of senior leadership roles, including Assistant Principal and Headteacher, leading teams to raise and sustain high standards of education and achieve outstanding inspection outcomes. In addition to her leadership roles, Rebecca is a practicing Ofsted Inspector, bringing extensive insight into quality, standards and the inspection of education and skills.

ALYS TREGEAR

Vice Principal for Student Experience at Burnley College

ALYS TREGEAR

Alys joins Burnley College as Vice Principal for Students and is the Strategic Designated Safeguarding Lead for the College. She has a taught from entry level to foundation degree and has a broad range of experience in the leadership of curriculum and student support within the further education sector. She has also taken on a range of other governance roles in education and safeguarding as has been nominated as an Inclusive Champion and Inspirational Careers Leader for her work within the sector. She also received her Level 7 in Careers Leadership from Warwick University and is a certified Trauma Informed Practitioner.

STUART ARNFIELD

Chief Finance and Operating Officer at Burnley College

STUART ARNFIELD

Stuart Arnfield is the Chief Finance and Operating Officer at Burnley College. His role is responsible for the areas of Finance, Facilities, IT, Systems, Business Intelligence, Health & Safety, and Catering. He is accountable for developing and implementing our Financial Strategy to ensure we maintain a sustainable college to serve the community now and in the future, our Estates Strategy and Campus Masterplan that makes sure we provide the best environment and resources for our learners and staff.

NEIL BURROWS

Director of Skills, Innovation and Employer Engagement at Burnley College

NEIL BURROWS

The previous Head of Engineering at Burnley College, Neil brings a wealth of international management experience to his role. A former International Apprenticeship Manager and UK Work Based Learning Manager for the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board, he holds a plethora of advanced and university-level professional Engineering qualifications and has received national recognition for his commitment to training and skills development.

SARAH CROSSLEY

Assistant Principal (Sixth Form) at Burnley College

SARAH CROSSLEY

Sarah started her career at Burnley College as an English Lecturer before accepting the roles of A Levels Curriculum Principal and Head of A Levels. Upon receiving her degree in English and Related Literature from the University of York, Sarah launched her teaching career, and has since completed a Masters in Education and a Doctorate in Education, (EdD) building on her already impressive foundation of skills and knowledge around education and teaching.

NINA PARKIN

Vice Principal for Curriculum at Burnley College

NINA PARKIN

Nina Parkin is Vice Principal Curriculum at Burnley College, with responsibility for Higher Education and Adult provision, alongside strategic leadership of Engineering, Construction, Fitness and Beauty, and Science, Health and Education curriculum areas. Previously Dean of Burnley College University Courses, Nina worked closely with university partners to strengthen and expand the College's higher education offer, creating greater opportunities for learners to study locally.

ADAM BIRD

Director of Marketing & Communications at Burnley College

ADAM BIRD

Adam joined Burnley College in April 2026 as Director of Marketing and Communications. He oversees the teams responsible for marketing, communications, events, print and design, and school liaison and outreach, building relationships with schools that let the College spot who needs support and guide them toward the right next step, whether that's 16-18 provision, an apprenticeship, adult learning, or higher education at BCUC.

SONYA CLARKSON

Director of People and Central Services at Burnley College

SONYA CLARKSON

Sonya is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (FCIPD), bringing senior leadership experience from across the education and healthcare sectors. Having started her career locally, she is proud to bring that experience back to Burnley College. A collaborative and values-led leader, Sonya is passionate about people, wellbeing and creating opportunities for others to succeed. She strongly believes in the power of education to transform lives and is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where colleagues and learners can thrive.

SIMONE LOMAS

Director of Governance at Burnley College

SIMONE LOMAS

Simone Lomas is the Director of Governance and Data Protection Officer at Burnley College, bringing extensive experience in governance, compliance, operational leadership and organisational development. Formerly Head of Central Services and Clerk to the Corporation, she has led a broad portfolio of learner-facing and corporate services, including admissions, enrolment, examinations, timetabling, student support, complaints, events, insurance and executive support, ensuring the delivery of efficient, compliant and learner- centred services across the College.