Meet the Team

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Kate Walker
Head of College

I joined Mirfield College in January 2018 and I have been teaching now for 13 years. I am a teacher of Law and Criminology as well as Head of College.

I graduated from the University of Sheffield with a BA in Criminology and Social Policy. I worked for the Crown Prosecution Service before completing my PGCE at York St John University. I have a lot of experience in safeguarding and wellbeing and one of the most important aspects of my job is ensuring that students are happy. I love teaching and I hope that my passion for Criminology and the justice system inspires another generation to learn more about it – and make it better.

In my spare time I love reading, walking and spending time with my young niece and nephews. I like music gigs, going to the cinema and theatre, and trying out new restaurants and venues with my friends.

Catherine Hinchcliffe
Senior Learning Mentor & UCAS Co-Ordinator

I have worked at Mirfield Free Grammar for 18 years and at Mirfield College for 14 of those years. My role is Senior Learning Mentor and I am based in the Silent Study Area where I support students with their learning and co-ordinate their directed study time. In addition, I am the UCAS Co-ordinator in College and I co-ordinate and manage the university application process which starts in Year 12 through to the end of Year 13 and sometimes beyond. To support this role, I am qualified careers advisor and achieved my Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance Development in 2016.

Outside of College, I am a big sports fan especially rugby league and Formula 1 and I am trustee of the Batley Sporting Foundation which aims to unite communities through sport.

Caitlin Smith
College Business Administrator

I have just completed my Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship at Mirfield College. I have learnt lots of different skills whilst working towards my qualification, including administration skills, marketing skills and also great communication skills by communicating with lots of different stakeholders. I support students daily with lots of different queries as well as doing different administrative tasks, admissions, running our social media and other marketing tasks.

In my spare time I love to spend time with family and friends. I also enjoy reading, going to the gym and going on long walks.

Jim Fleming
College Character Lead

As a character lead, I support both students and staff alike. I aim to develop the whole child through a range of coordinated personal and character activities and opportunities, within a supportive environment using continual positive regard.

This year is my 13^th year teaching, specialising in PE. I have been lucky enough to have held various roles in different schools around the country. I have worked in London for 6 years as a Head of Year and Bradford and Keighley for 6 years as Subject lead, EPQ coordinator and Duke of Edinburgh lead. I have been a level 3 subject lead throughout my career. I joined Mirfield College as working with College students has always been an ambition of mine.

Lauren Whitehead
Attendance and Learning Mentor

I joined Mirfield College in September 2024 and my role is Attendance and learning mentor. I am based in the silent study area where I support students with their learning and offer my support with their studies.

I studied Secondary Teaching in Physical Education and Sports Coaching at Leeds Trinity University where I graduated with a BA Honors degree. I also have my coaching qualification in dance and have completed some exams with the ISTD.

In my spare time I love spending it with my little boy who is 2. We go to play gyms, the park, wildlife parks & much more! Outside of being a mum I like to spend time with my friends visiting nice restaurants and shopping sprees.

Denise Rathmell
Safeguarding officer and Year Lead

I joined Mirfield College last September as Safeguarding Officer and Year Lead and have really enjoyed the last year being part of the college team. I work alongside my colleagues to support our students along their sixth form journey, prioristising their wellbeing and welfare.

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