Jill Gray

Jill Gray joined Blackpool Sixth as Principal in January 2015 after more than 20 years working at Runshaw College, seven of these as a senior leader.

Jill originally trained in hospitality management, having visions of managing hotels worldwide. However, in 1994 her career took an unexpected turn when she entered the world of education initially as a teacher of tourism and hospitality before moving into middle management in 1998 and senior management in 2008.

Jill is passionate about education and providing aspirational life chances for young people. As a Director of Blackpool Opportunity Area Board, a member of Blackpool Education Improvement Board and Chair of Governors at Blackpool Aspire Academy, Jill is well-placed to use her extensive knowledge and experience help shape education on the Fylde Coast.

Jill is the CEO of Fylde Coast SCITT, an Ofsted Outstanding provider of teacher training, and is also an Ofsted Inspector for FE and Skills, with more than twelve years of inspection experience.

Blackpool Sixth has been an Ofsted Outstanding college since 2009 and was awarded the Pearson BTEC College of the Year in 2020. The college’s mission, “inspiring learning, developing character, building futures” drives the work of the college to ensure that all students are provided with the very best post-16 educational experience.