Aimey Adamson

Meet our Vice Principal: Students and Communications, Aimey Adamson!

After graduating with a degree in Business Management from Northumbria University, Aimey decided she wanted to pursue a career in the Education sector. She continued studying, working hard and gained a PGCE from Sunderland University. Since graduating Aimey has worked in a range of roles across further education for the past ten years, including roles within specialist provisions and has a vast range of experience working in SEN with the most vulnerable young people in society. Aimey also completed a Masters Degree in Education Leadership at Northumbria University in 2019!

Aimey said: “I went to the University of Huddersfield when I was 19 to study Hospitality Management, I worked full time at Pizza Hut as a manager during my degree and decided to drop out in year three and only graduated with an HND as I wanted to earn money rather than study.

“After having my children at the age of 29 I decided that I wanted to be a teacher, I needed to go back to University and achieve my degree. I did a top up year at Northumbria University in Newcastle with a 2 year old and a baby and achieved a first class honours degree, I didn’t sleep much that year but the sense of achievement was unbelievable, it just spurred me on to do more.

“I then went straight on the do a PGCE and got a full time teaching job during my course at Gateshead College. I worked at Gateshead College for three years and was promoted to a lead practitioner for teaching and learning within the first year of teaching. I have always had an interest in working with young people with additional needs and in 2016, I went to work as Head of Education at Dilston College, a residential college for young people with special educational needs and disabilities. In 2018, I moved to East Durham College as Director of Inclusive learning looking after eight departments in the College specialising in meeting the needs of young people with SEN.

“I was approached by a recruiter when the Vice Principal role became available at Middlesbrough College, and when I read about the opportunity I knew straight away that it was the perfect role for me. I’m delighted to have joined this thriving organisation. The values of Middlesbrough College align with my own as I always strive to aim high, work hard, challenging myself and do what is right for the students, the staff, employers and the wider community.

“My favourite aspect of the role is helping and supporting young people to reach their aspirations. It’s also fantastic that the people I work with are such hardworking and inspirational people who put the students at the heart of everything they do.

“I’m really enjoying the role so far and I’ve loved getting out and about in classes and meeting our students. It is the students that make College the vibrant and exciting place that it is- they really are why we are here.

“My advice to anyone considering applying for a role at Middlesbrough College is to go for it! It’s a wonderful place to work and no day is the same, just make sure you get some comfortable shoes because it’s a huge campus!”

Despite already having two degrees, a PGCE and working full time in her new role, Aimey, who advocates for self-development, is currently working towards her PhD in Leadership and Human Resource Management at Northumbria University.

She said: “I love studying and I’m thrilled to be working towards my PhD, even though it takes up a lot of my spare time! I’m very passionate about education and that’s why I’m also an Ofsted Inspector for further education and skills provisions, specialising in SEN. When I’m not working, I love spending quality time with my husband, my two little girls and my Border Terrier Snoop!

“If you are considering going back into education or want to change careers, my advice is to just do it! You have to work for most of your life and we won’t retire until we are 70, so you may as well do something you love. Go out, find what that is, and go for it.”

Looking for a role at the Middlesbrough College Group? Take a look at our latest job vacancies here