Gosport mayor and St Vincent College chair of governors Zoe Huggins says: 'Education is the key to enhancing and changing lives'

St Vincent College in Gosport was immensely proud when, last month, our Chair of Governors, Zoe Huggins, was inaugurated as Mayor of Gosport. We were even more excited when she agreed to do an exclusive interview with us on her beliefs, career and hopes for the future of education.
Mayor of Gosport and Chair of Governors at St Vincent College Zoe Huggins, with College Principal Andy GrantMayor of Gosport and Chair of Governors at St Vincent College Zoe Huggins, with College Principal Andy Grant
Mayor of Gosport and Chair of Governors at St Vincent College Zoe Huggins, with College Principal Andy Grant

Hi Zoe, thank you for taking the time to talk to us. Can we start by asking where you went to school?

I went to Bedenham and Gomer for primary school and Bay House for senior school - both in Gosport - before going on to study at college.

Can you tell us about your career in teaching?

I started my teaching career as a lecturer at Southdowns College, delivering sessions whilst also working as a sports therapist.

I went on to become a Course Manager and Key Skills Co-ordinator at another centre and, in 2006, moved to Eastleigh College where I was offered the full-time role of Deputy Head of Faculty, Professional and Business Studies.

And you continued studying, didn’t you?

Whilst Deputy Head, I studied a Masters in Education to develop my understanding and support of people and broaden my knowledge of financial budgeting, marketing and the legalities of personnel management.

When did you join us at St Vincent College as a governor?

December 2017, just as the college become an MAT and under The Lighthouse Learning Trust.

In January 2019, I was elected Chair where my role is to empower all governors to suitably support and challenge the fantastic management team at the college.

Our governors bring a wealth of varying experience and have been instrumental in supporting the college, which is really satisfying to be a part of.

What attracted you to taking on the role?

I believe in localism, so the opportunity to be involved in supporting the quality of education and raising aspirations in Gosport was the driving factor.

Also, being a local I understand the history of the college and its importance to our community.

What has been the importance of education in your life?

Gaining a growth mindset and understanding we can learn from every experience has influenced my own learning journey, career and now my children’s learning.

Who I am today has only been shaped by experiences and the people that have helped me reflect and grow. It has only really been in my later life I have truly loved learning and, even as a manager in education, I still take every opportunity to get back in the classroom as a teacher or as a learner.

And finally, what is your ambition for education in the future?

Education is key to enhancing and changing lives, as well as uniting people and communities.

My ‘why’ in life is driven by improving accessibility and quality in education.

In recent years I have had more of a focus on learning in the workplace, which includes training managers and apprenticeships.

This has brought about a drive to improve mental health within our workforce and behaviours that support people and organisational potential.

To find out more about St Vincent College, click here

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