Meet the Team

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Kate Walker
Assistant Principal – Head of College

I joined Mirfield College in January 2018 and I have been teaching now for over 14 years. I am a teacher of Law and Criminology as well as Assistant Principal – 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 pastoral support and one of the most important aspects of my job is ensuring that students are well prepared for future progression into higher education, employment, or training.

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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