Karen Grist

I began my career in education in 1981, having qualified with a Bachelor of Education from Sussex University.  I worked initially within the state secondary school system teaching Physical Education in schools within Surrey, and Formby and Ormskirk, West Lancashire.

After six years I moved into Further Education and taught vocational and academic studies to young people aged 16 to 22 yrs.  Having completed a Diploma in Management Studies I then acquired posts in different colleges which held increasing responsibility enabling me to focus more on making a real difference to the learner experience.  Also at that time I developed a particular interest in special needs and in 2006 I commenced work at St. Piers College, Young Epilepsy, as a Vocational and Work Based Learning Co-ordinator as part of the Senior Management Team.  As Deputy Principal, then Head of College, I worked with a large multidisciplinary staff team who have the same passion and vision as I, to ensure the best possible outcomes are achieved for our annual cohort of very special young people. I am married and together we have 4 young adults and a range of wildlife collectively labelled as pets!