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Learning from the best
At Rockley College, our dynamic and dedicated team represents a blend of industry expertise and teaching excellence. Our staff bring years of hands-on experience in sports, outdoor activities, and teaching. Beyond academics, they serve as mentors, safeguarding-trained professionals, and mental health first aiders - fostering an environment where every student thrives.
Jake Williams
Curriculum Manager
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Jake first discovered Rockley when he was 12 on a school trip. That experiences helped to fuel a passion for the water that has allowed him to travel, teach and coach with Charities, Clubs and Commercial Centres all around the world. He's seen first-hand how the time in the outdoors and on the water can bring people together and change lives.
Now returning to Rockley as Curriculum Manager, he's excited to help inspire and play a part in our college students' journeys towards their own adventures.
Qualifications: RYA Dinghy & Windsurf Trainer, RYA Powerboat Instructor, BSUPA Level 1 Coach
At Rockley since: August 2025
Mark Ames
Education Programme Lead
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Mark has over 15 years experience of teaching from middle school, secondary, college and degree level. As a fully fledged sports enthusiast he has an interest in almost all sports and in his younger days would always be seen on the football or cricket pitch. Unfortunately age has taken his toll and these days you are more likely to see him on the golf course! What started as a leisure activity, is now a borderline addiction!
Qualifications: PE Teacher, various levels of NGB coaching in cricket, golf, football, dodgeball, athletics, disability football
At Rockley since: August 2018
John McMaster
Education Teacher
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John started as an instructor at Rockley spending all of his time on the water. Now he spends much of his time teaching in the classroom on our college courses. He may just get out on the water from time to time...
A keen sportsman, John loves running, cycling and windsurfing.
Qualifications: RYA Dinghy Scheme Trainer; RYA Powerboat Instructor; RYA Windsurf Instructor; RYA Yachtmaster
At Rockley since: March 2010
Amy Jackson
Education Teacher
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From a Rockley College student, to working in the outdoor industry, to a teaching degree at Birmingham University, to returning as a teacher! In a short amount of time, Amy has achieved a lot and is a very welcome addition to the Rockley College team!
After graduating with a triple distinction, Amy went on to work as an Activity Instructor in Devon before deciding on a teaching degree at Birmingham City University where she ‘worked her socks off’ for three years.
Despite having dyslexia, Amy has made sure that it does not act as a barrier to what she or anyone else with dyslexia wants to achieve in life.
"A vocational course allowed me to discover so many things about myself. I don’t think would have happened if I had continued on at school. I achieved the same UCAS points as some of my friends who stayed on to do A-levels – I just took a different, and for me, a better route."
Qualifications: PE Teacher
At Rockley since: September 2024
Matthew Higginbotham
Education Practical Lead
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After working in North Wales for a year, it was time for Matt to move onto another challenge. He joined the team in March 2017, taking on an Activity Instructor role and the rest as they say, is history! He is now the Education Practical Lead.
As well as being active on the water, Matt has always loved being in the water! He has spent many years scuba diving which has taken him to so many amazing places. His absolute passion however, is windsurfing. You will often find him blasting out on the water during his lunch break, after work and on the weekends with his fellow colleagues.
At Rockley since: 2017
Pete Smith
Education Practical Tutor
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After a year working at plas Menai, Pete joined the Rockley crew in March 2017 and has been here ever since! He's worked at many of Rockley's centres teaching a variety of courses and is now a Practical Tutor for Rockley College.
He LOVES, LOVES, LOVES windsurfing, especially freestyle and he will be out on the water at every opportunity, whatever the weather!
At Rockley since: March 2017
Finley Dickinson
Education Practical Tutor
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Finn graduated from Rockley's 2-year Diploma course, also gaining his RYA Dinghy and Windsurfing Instructor qualification. He then joined Rockley's Apprenticeship programme, keen to take the opportunity to work and learn at the same time.
“I love watersports – it’s my passion and if you want to succeed, you’ve just got to put yourself out there and work for it.”
Finn has now joined Rockley as a full time member of the Education Team and is the perfect person to lead our students as they pursue their career in the outdoors.
Qualifications: Level 3 Diploma in Sport (Outdoor Adventure), RYA Dinghy Instructor, RYA Windsurfing Instructor
At Rockley since: September 2022
Jo Papworth
Education Practical Lead
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Jo, a music graduate from the University of Sussex, transitioned from a career in hospitality, where he managed a pub in Southwest London, to an apprenticeship with Rockley College. Despite having no prior watersports experience, Jo is committed to learning and feels that his confidence and his background in music and hospitality has equipped him with valuable skills for his new endeavours. Since graduating from the Apprenticeship programme, Jo has now joined the college team as one of the Practical Instructors.
Qualifications:
At Rockley since: September 2024