Rebecca Gater

Rebecca joined Solihull College & University Centre in 2016 as Assistant Principal, becoming Vice Principal for Curriculum and Quality in 2019 and appointed as Principal and Chief Executive in 2022. Rebecca started working in the further education sector as an hourly paid lecturer in Business and Management and has over 20 years’ experience, with expertise in curriculum and quality. She joined Ofsted as a part time inspector in 2015. Rebecca is a passionate ambassador for further education and was awarded a Doctorate in Education for her research on FE senior leadership.

https://www.solihull.ac.uk/news/college-announces-new-principal/

Previous Principals/CEOs

Lindsay Stewart

Lindsey Stewart has worked for Solihull College for over 30 years where she started out as a computing lecturer in 1987 before that she taught maths in schools. In this time she has held a wide variety of roles and has developed wide ranging experience in all aspects of the College work. Lindsey has led on the HE strategy which resulted in TEF gold and significant HE growth and the design of both Blossomfield and Woodlands Campus. Lindsey has been Chief Operating Officer at Stratford since the merger and is enjoying the challenge of ensuring Stratford re-establishes itself as an outstanding responsive College meeting the needs of employers and the whole community. Lindsey is passionate about cycling and often travels between the college campuses on her bike.

https://www.solihull.ac.uk/news/college-principal-announces-retirement

John Callaghan

I started my career with Birmingham City Council in 1977 and ultimately trained as a software specialist. I joined Tamworth & Lichfield College in 1988 and worked as Vice Principal and was seconded part time to the Learning and Skill Council. I joined Derby College as Vice Principal and had a short spell in the private sector. I re-joined Derby College in 2006 as Deputy Principal before joining North East Worcestershire College in 2010 as Principal. I was appointed as the Principal of Solihull College & University Centre in June 2014. During this time I have been appointed as President of the Solihull Chamber of Commerce. I am a UK Central Ambassador and I am the FE Principals representative for the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership.