Meet the Team

Before Rockley Katie was travelling around Australia and Southeast Asia. Having worked for a watersports company in Bondi, and being forced to cut her travels short due to Covid, she discovered working by the beach at Rockley Point was the next best thing! Katie looks after all the College administration and acts as a real confidant to the students.

The super power she would want to possess if she could - To breath under water!

At Rockley since: June 2021

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 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

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

Amelia was one of our stand out students when she joined our Level 3 Sport (Outdoor Adventure) course in 2018. A former student at Queen Elizabeth School, Amelia then went on to study Physical Education and Sports Coaching at the University of Chichester. Now in her final year and as part of her course, Amelia is back with the Rockley family, taking on the role of Apprentice Learning & Skills Teacher Sport & Outdoor Adventure Level 5. 

She is hugely enthusiastic and has a great rapport with our current college students.

“I initially chose Rockley College way back in 2018 because I wanted to combine my passion for the outdoors with a full-time education and development programme whilst gaining qualifications. It's so great to be back!"

Qualifications: RYA Dinghy Instructor, RYA Windsurf Instructor

At Rockley since: July 2018

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

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

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, 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.

“It’s really been good to throw myself into it and just apply myself. And there's so much to learn - I'm really keen to embrace it all. I wouldn't have put myself forward for the apprenticeship if I didn't think I was going to give it 100% and that's exactly what I've been doing.”

At Rockley since: September 2024

As an Outdoor Adventure student at Exeter College, it was during a visit to one of Rockley’s Buddens Activity Centre that prompted Rosie to apply for the Outdoor Instructor Apprenticeship. With a clear love for the outdoors, Rosie is benefitting hugely from her time here, gaining confidence in leading sessions. She is set on a career in the outdoors and loves the positive impact it has on young people.

“To be honest, a few years ago, I would never have thought I would have the confidence to lead a session. I’m now really comfortable – particularly leading the climbing sessions.”

At Rockley since: September 2024

After completing A-Levels in psychology, sociology and chemistry at Corfe Hills School, Tomas then decided to follow a completely different path and applied for Rockley’s Outdoor Instructor Apprenticeship. Tomas enjoys plenty of outdoor sports with climbing, paddleboarding and surfing being amongst his favourite.

“I’ve always loved being outdoors – walking and mountain biking. I also love the water, qualifying as a beach lifeguard after my A-Levels.”

At Rockley since: September 2024