Kevin Hamblin

Principal and Chief Executive

Kevin Hamblin was appointed Principal and Chief Executive of Filton College in December 2001. Born in Nottingham, he left school at 16 and undertook a Mining Engineering Apprenticeship with British Coal before becoming a Colliery Training Officer. In 1989, he started a BA (honours) degree in Business at Wolverhampton Business School whilst being a sponsored student and working with BAA Gatwick Airport Limited personnel and training department.

On completion of the degree, he worked as commercial manager then commercial director of a private training company before becoming Head of Open Learning at Swindon College in 1997. This led to a role as Head of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Systems Engineering at Swindon before becoming Vice Principal at Hartpury College, Gloucestershire in 1999.

Nigel Eagers

Vice Principal and Deputy Chief Executive

Nigel Eagers joined the college as Vice Principal, Curriculum in 2003. Although born in Essex, he is not a typical Essex boy. He read Geography at Cambridge University where he also rowed for the College VIII. He led expeditions to Alaska to conquer unclimbed mountains. He has travelled widely throughout South and Central America and written illustrated articles for major British magazines.

He built up a stationery manufacturing business that was later merged with large printing company. He holds 2 patents, neither of which have yet to make any money. After completing a PGCE in Business/Economics he joined Hartpury College, Gloucestershire, rising to Associate Dean and Vice Principal.

Sara-Jane Watkins

Vice Principal, Corporate Responsiveness

Sara-Jane Watkins is responsible for all corporate elements of the business including finance, IT, funding, business development, marketing, conferencing, commercial activities and employer engagement.

With a Masters Degree in Marketing from the University of the West of England and an Honours Degree in Countryside Management, Sara-Jane was previously Communications Director at Hartpury College, Gloucestershire.

Stephanie Root

Assistant Principal, Finance and Resources

Stephanie Root joined the College in 1992 as Financial Accountant on a one year contract to set up the financial systems and has remained since.

Born in Lichfield she went to King Edward’s High School in Birmingham, before studying a BA in Accounting and Finance. She qualified as a Chartered Accountant and then spent 10 years in audit/business services before moving into the FE sector.

Having fulfilled a number of financial roles for the College, Stephanie had a short period combining this with managing IT Services, but is now responsible for Finance and Human Resources.

Claire Bushell

Executive Director - Quality, Information & Planning

Claire Bushell joined the College in 1996. She first started as a lecturer in Business Finance and IT and has had various management roles since 1998, including IT Services, Information Systems and Exams. Previously she worked for the Bank of England, both in Bristol and London.

Denise Ryan

Executive Director - Learner Services

Denise Ryan joined Filton College in September 2001, firstly as a Programme Manager then Head of Department of Sport, Travel and Tourism. She has been in her current post since September 2007.

Denise has a wide range of experience in Education, having firstly taught in secondary schools in South Wales and then moving into the Further Education sector in 1989.