Leadership
Driven by experience and a vision for student success. Learn about our senior leadership team and how they guide our strategic growth.
Meet our leadership team
Principal’s welcome
Thank you for your interest in studying at Brooklands Technical College.
We are a further education college that serves the community of Surrey and the neighbouring county of Middlesex. We have three campuses that are closely located to the town centres of Weybridge and Ashford, with very good local transport links and train links to London.
We are proud to offer both full and part time education and training across a broad range of subjects and course levels for both young people and adults.
More than 6,000 students choose to study with us each year either to start or enhance their career pathway, or to broaden their skills and knowledge for their own professional development.
With our specialist facilities, teachers with industry expertise, and Ofsted rating of Good (2020), this is an excellent place to study.
We look forward to welcoming you to the College and if you would like to access our free information, advice and guidance please contact us.
Christine Ricketts
Principal/CEO
Meet our Leadership team
Meet our inspiring group of volunteers that devote their time to college improvements and culture.
Chief Executive Officer and Principal
As CEO, Christine is deeply committed to driving regional economic growth by building robust partnerships with employers and local stakeholders. She is passionate about the student experience and believes in the power of education to transform lives.
Beyond her college leadership, Christine champions educational collaboration across the county. She serves as Chair of SurreyFE a partnership uniting Surrey’s further education colleges and Chair of the Post-16 Phase Council, where she collaborates with regional CEOs and the borough council to align post-16 education with regional skills priorities. Driven by a commitment to social mobility, she also sits on several community groups focused on expanding life choices for local residents.
Chief Operating Officer
Since November 2023, Allan has been BTC’s Chief Operating Officer, responsible for Finance, Estates, IT and MIS. He was previously been the Finance Director at Oldham College, where he was responsible for Finance, Estates and IT, from July 2016 until October 2023. He has played an instrumental part in both College’s recent financial recoveries.
Allan has worked in the education and related sectors for the last 25 years. His roles include being Executive Director for Finance and Commercial at North Hertfordshire College and Group FD at The IMI, the professional association and awarding body for the retail motor industry.
Director of Governance
Melissa is a qualified governance professional with over 25 years’ experience working in further education. She has been Director of Governance at BTC since September 2022 and combines this role with that of governance consultant, currently working with the Association of Colleges as a trainer and mentor of new FE Governance Professionals, and providing external governance reviews for other colleges. In her spare time, Melissa is a trustee of charity in her home town, Brighton, and enjoys music, walking and paddleboarding.
Director of People, Performance & Development
Alison is an experienced Corporate Services and HR Professional and has been working with BTC for two years now as the Director of our People Team. Alison built up her Human Resources and Organisational Development experience through leading large HR teams with organisations such as Richmond upon Thames College, The Institute of Cancer Research, Lambeth College, Roehampton University, Westminster City Council, and numerous charity and healthcare organisations whilst working for a Healthcare Consultancy.
Deputy Principal
Christina joined Brooklands Technical College in 2025, bringing over 15 years of leadership experience across curriculum development, safeguarding and SEND.
As a champion for inclusive education, she is driven by the belief that every student deserves a curriculum shaped by equity and respect. Her inspiring approach ensures that learners are not only supported but truly equipped for their next steps.
A collaborative and caring leader, Christina is dedicated to empowering staff and fostering a culture of professional curiosity. Her strategic background, including her advisory work with the DfE, will be invaluable as we continue to lead quality improvement and learner-centred practice across the post-16 sector.
Vice Principal – Education & Personal Development
With over 25 years of experience in Further Education, I am dedicated to fostering a high-quality, inclusive environment that empowers every student to thrive. As Vice Principal for Quality, Standards and Learner Experience, I lead the strategic integration of rigorous quality systems to drive innovation and continuous improvement in teaching, learning and assessment. My focus is on ensuring every student benefits from a high-quality learning experience that enables them to reach their full potential and progress confidently toward their next steps.
Vice Principal – Curriculum
Lorne is part of the College executive team. He is the strategic lead for skills and the development of the entire College curriculum, ensuring all provision is responsive to local and regional economic demands so that the College delivers a consistent, high-quality learner experience.