Colin started as Principal of Barnsley College in October 2008. His previous post was as Vice Principal Curriculum at Newcastle College. He has worked in the further education sector since qualifying as a teacher in 1984. Colin also worked for 9 years as a part time inspector for Ofsted between 1999 and 2008.

Barnsley College was graded Outstanding by Ofsted at inspection in November 2010 and examination results place it in to top 10% of colleges in the country. Barnsley operates a Tertiary education system. The College provides vocational courses and apprenticeships and runs a Sixth Form College delivering an A level programme.