After being named runner-up in the prestigious Further Education Tutorial Network’s (FETN) Outstanding Tutor of the Year award, a former Colne Primet Academy student is encouraging current students to work hard, dream big and never give up.  

Emily Whitfield, who attended Primet Primary before Colne Primet Academy then progressed to a BTEC Extended National Diploma in Applied Science at Nelson and Colne College. Emily then gained a BSc (Hons) in Adult Nursing at Edge Hill University before a career in adult intensive care followed by urology.

Emily, who stull holds an active nursing registration, then decided to retrain as a teacher. Emily enrolled on a PGCE at the university centre at Nelson and Colne College’s Accrington campus, obtaining a PGCE through the University of Huddersfield in 2022.

She is now Nelson and Colne College’s programme leader for T-Level Healthcare Science as well as the Industry Lead for Vocational Science. She is also Personal Development Curriculum Leader for Vocational and Technical Education at Level 2 and 3.

Emily said: “I have some fantastic memories of my time at Primet including of the teaching staff and the friends I made as well as the trips we had the opportunity to go on. My time at Primet prepared me for my next steps by giving me a broad education and helping me build on the fundamental skills I had. Staff at Primet also actively encouraged me to take the next step in my education journey.”