The School Liaison Team works closely with teachers, careers advisors and parents and carers to provide information, advice and guidance to potential students. Our team are all qualified – or working towards – Level 4 Advice and Guidance as a minimum, and we’ve all come from different educational backgrounds. This allows us to give impartial, clear advice about the different options available to students after Year 11.
Local schools will have an advisor who works closely with them, while the whole team can support students from other schools or those who are home educated. If you are a school student, teacher or career advisor and want to contact the advisor linked with your school, you will find their details below.
If you are not attending a school mentioned below, email info@barnsley.ac.uk and we’ll get back to you.
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Michael McHugh IAG Team Leader After studying A Levels I gained a degree in English, then a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education. I have worked as an early years and primary school teacher before moving in to Further Education. I am a proud to lead our team of advisors in supporting all prospective learners to make the best choice for their futures.Contact me for more information and support for:
Email: m.mchugh@barnsley.ac.uk |
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Leanne Ingham I am currently working towards a Level 6 NVQ in Careers Guidance and hold a Level 4 in Advice and Guidance. I have worked for Barnsley College for over 25 years. I am passionate about my current role and will always go that extra step to help and support any student.I support the following schools:
Email: l.ingham@barnsley.ac.uk |
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Garry Lyon Upon leaving school I enrolled to Public Services at Barnsley College. I don’t consider myself as strong in exam situations so studying via a more coursework assessed method was good for me. I wanted to enter the Police at the time so I spent time working shifts in factories, working in pubs and clubs and with young offenders as I tried to grab experiences that I felt may help me to apply to the Police. I have now worked in College for 25 years, including time with Student Services as well as with my current department, Student Recruitment.I support the following schools:
Email: g.lyon@barnsley.ac.uk |
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Ashley Gillow-West I am a Barnsley College Alumni, having studied on a vocational Health and Social Care course. Realising my interest in History, I went onto study a BA in American History from The University of Nottingham and then a master’s degree from Sheffield Hallam in Global Business. I worked at Walt Disney World for three years as a UK Cultural Representative, finding a passion for the hospitality industry. My journey now allows me to support students in finding their passion here at Barnsley College.I support the following schools:
Email: a.gillow@barnsley.ac.uk |
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Jo Thornton I studied a combined BTEC and A Level course and, after some time in employment, I decided to go to university in my mid 20s and gained a degree in Media Production. I followed this up with a Post Graduate Certificate in Education and then worked within the Barnsley College Media Department for 13 years as a teacher and course leader in FE and HE. I moved on to be a Team Leader on the NCS Programme for five years before returning to the College as an Information Advisor.I support the following schools:
Email: j.thornton@barnsley.ac.uk |
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Sam Tallentire Whilst at College, I studied Level 3 Sport Development, Coaching and Fitness and then went on to study a degree in Sport Development with Coaching at Sheffield Hallam University. Following the completion of my degree, I completed a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education and worked as a primary school teacher for six years before transferring to work in Further Education. I enjoy interacting with potential Barnsley College students and liaising with schools to support their students with their options and choices after KS4.I support the following schools:
Email: s.tallentire@barnsley.ac.uk |
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Holly Bentley After completing my A-Levels in English Literature & Language, Business Studies, and Graphic Design at Barnsley Sixth Form, I worked in buying and merchandising for various menswear brands. My passion for sustainability in fashion then led me to the charity sector, where I recruited volunteers, including local college and university students. This experience inspired me to pursue a career in education, where I now help individuals of all ages discover and navigate the pathways to fulfilling courses and careers. I am currently furthering my own education by studying for a Level 4 qualification in Advice and Guidance.Holly is currently on maternity leave and will return in late September 2024 to support the following schools:
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