Wigan & Leigh College Principal receives OBE

Cath Hurst, 50, is genuinely privileged and humbled to be recognised for the award and said, “The award made me so proud to be part of Wigan and Leigh College’s success.  I am fortunate that Wigan and Leigh College continues to attract students who want an excellent experience and progress to employment or further and higher education.  The award is a reflection of the committed work of all staff and governors at Wigan and Leigh College.  It is a fantastic college to be part of, I love working at the college.  I am fortunate to have the support and encouragement of my family, my Chair of Governors, Richard Waterfield, and colleagues.” 

The Chair of Governors Richard Waterfield said,  “This is a reflection of Cath’s commitment to further education in the Borough and beyond.  It is nothing less than well deserved.”

Cath Hurst is married and has two children Sara and Dominic, and has lived in Bury for 27 years.  Her teaching career began at Bury College in Catering and Commercial Studies working her way up the ranks to Director of Development.    Cath studied A levels herself at Wigan and Leigh College in 1979 then was awarded a BA Honours degree and Post Graduate in Education from Leeds Metropolitan University.  She joined Wigan and Leigh College in 2002 as Vice Principal for Curriculum reshaping the college to be responsive to local needs and offering a high quality experience.  The college is committed to its community with over 13,000 students gaining an excellent academic and vocational experience.  Students at the college have benefitted from a £30m investment, at Pagefield Building, School for the Arts and Leigh Sports Village.

In December 2011 the College was one of 46 Colleges successful in a capital bid to the Skills Funding Agency of £5.4m to improve the facilities at the Parson’s Walk Centre.  Wigan and Leigh College with Wigan Council is developing a 14-19 Centre in Atherton.  It will offer construction, motor vehicle and catering skills due to open in September 2013.  The college is also developing with The University of Salford and employers, including Martin Ainscough, a University Technical College (UTC) with specialisms in food manufacture and recycling which will provide links to local employers and progression to the University.  This is planned to open in September 2013.

College Principal, Cath Hurst OBE