Interview with Simon Lett, principal of Winstanley College

Simon Lett was appointed the new principal of Winstanley College in September 2024. The sixth form college has over 2,200 students and over 225 members of staff. However, his journey into teaching was, as he describes it, a ‘bit of an accident’.

He reflects: “I completed my degree in media and communication with the intention of working in the media industry, but one of my lecturers suggested I apply for part-time teaching roles. I thought, ‘Why not?’ and applied to a local college. Within a few days, I had a job teaching BTEC Media.”

At the time, Simon was unqualified, but he found teaching so enjoyable that he decided to pursue it further. “It just seemed to fall into place. I’ve been in teaching ever since,” he says, almost as if it was fate guiding him towards this career.

His career quickly advanced as he moved through the ranks, becoming programme manager for media at Sutton Coldfield College from 1993 to 1998, the same institution where he had completed his own O-level resits and A-levels. Simon continued to build his career, taking on roles at Filton College in Bristol and Blackpool and the Fylde College.

In 2004, Simon moved into the sixth form college sector, where he became one of the founding members of Longley Park Sixth Form College in Sheffield, serving as one of five directors of teaching and learning. From there, Simon’s leadership roles expanded, with positions at Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College in Leeds and Greenhead College in Huddersfield.

He adds: “In September, I became principal of Winstanley College, and it’s been a fantastic experience so far.”

For Simon, teaching is more than just a job; it’s a way of giving back to the system that gave him a second chance.

Coming from a traditional working-class family in Birmingham, Simon struggled with school. “I was a very low achiever at school,” he explains. “I left with just two O-levels, one in art and one in English language. The whole environment of school just didn’t work for me. It wasn’t a place where I felt at home, and I didn’t thrive there.”

Simon’s turning point came when he saw the results of his O-levels. “I had failed most of my subjects, with only two O-levels to show for it,” he recalls. “That’s when I realised I needed to do something about it, and I pleaded with my parents for a second chance.”

He went on to resit his O-levels at college, and it was there that everything changed for him.

He continues: “There was something about the college environment that just seemed to work for me. Everything clicked, and it all fell into place. There was no uniform, and it wasn’t about calling teachers ‘Sir’ or ‘Miss.’ The teachers took a real interest in what I was doing, and I was able to study subjects I was genuinely interested in. I received feedback that was tailored to me personally, and I thrived in that environment.”

Simon’s experience in college had a profound impact on him, and it shaped the way he has always approached education.

He adds: “That experience definitely left a mark on me. Going forward, I’ve always wanted to provide the same kind of environment for the students I’ve taught. For many students, college is their second chance, and it’s the place where they will thrive the most.”

His vision for Winstanley College is ambitious and clear. “I want Winstanley to continue to be one of the best sixth-form colleges in the country,” Simon says. “It’s about creating a place where every student can thrive – whether that’s academically, socially, or personally. I want students, parents, employers, and the wider community to see Winstanley as a college that inspires and nurtures young people.

“It’s not just about academic success. It’s about creating an environment where students feel supported, where they can grow as individuals and develop into global citizens.”

Simon is particularly proud of the college’s community spirit.

“The campus has fantastic facilities, but it’s the culture that sets us apart. It’s about making sure every student is celebrated for their achievements, no matter how big or small. We’re proud of our results, but we’re equally proud of the support we provide to students and the personal growth they experience here.

“It’s all about creating an environment where students feel supported in all aspects of their life, and that includes academic, emotional, and social support.”

Simon’s leadership style, rooted in empathy and communication, reflects his belief in the importance of understanding the people around him. “I’m a good listener, and I believe in understanding people’s needs. When staff and students feel understood, that’s when they thrive. I think leadership is about being approachable and compassionate,” he says. “I want staff to feel they’re supported, and I want students to know that I’m here for them. Kindness and patience go a long way, especially in education.”

His focus on empathy comes from his own experiences and, for Simon, creating a culture which continues to uphold the college’s values of ‘excellence’, ‘support’ and ‘inspiration’ is key to its success.

He reveals: “I’ve been in situations where I didn’t feel supported, so I know how important it is to make sure everyone feels valued.

“It’s not just about teaching content; it’s about supporting students in becoming the best versions of themselves. Every interaction – whether it’s with a teacher, support staff, or even a peer – has the potential to inspire,” he says. “It’s about showing students that they matter and that their dreams are achievable.”

Looking at the wider educational landscape for sixth form colleges, one of the biggest challenges, according to Simon, is funding. “There is a huge disparity in funding between schools, academies, and sixth form colleges,” he points out. “It’s a critical issue that we need to address. Sixth form colleges have been underfunded for years, and this affects everything from resources to staffing. We need to advocate for fair funding for all educational institutions.”

In addition to funding concerns, Simon highlights the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students’ mental health.

He says: “The pandemic has left lasting effects on mental health, and we need to make sure we’re supporting students in a holistic way. Mental health is just as important as academic achievement, and we need to embed support for well-being throughout the student experience.”

One of Simon’s primary goals is to create a flexible curriculum that meets the diverse needs of all students.

He shares: “It’s essential that we offer both academic and vocational qualifications, and that students can mix and match to suit their personal strengths. This flexibility is crucial in preparing students for a wide range of careers and post-college opportunities.”

For Simon, it’s about offering students the best opportunity for success, regardless of the path they choose. To ensure they are well-prepared for life beyond college, he places significant importance on careers advice, work experience, and employer-led encounters.

He says: “Students need realworld exposure to industries and careers. It’s about making sure they’re equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed after they leave Winstanley.”

This approach includes work experience opportunities and partnerships with local businesses, offering students a chance to apply their learning in real-world settings.

Winstanley College was recently crowned Most Inspirational Sixth Form and College at the Educate Awards 2024.

He comments: “It’s amazing, especially because the title of the award ties directly to one of our key values – inspiration. However, I think this award belongs to the staff, not me. I’ve only been here for three months, so I didn’t play a direct role in us winning this honour. The award reflects the hard work and dedication of all the staff and students here.

“Looking ahead, the focus is on preserving what we currently have, as clearly we are doing something right. Our results are strong, and we’ve won this award, which shows that we’re on the right track. But it’s about building on that success. It’s crucial to remember that you can never reach an ‘optimum’ standard in terms of quality. To remain inspirational, we must continue to evolve and improve.”