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This post includes references to abuse, trauma, loss, and serious illness. If these topics are difficult for you, please feel free to skip or return when you’re in the right headspace.
At Bath College, we are proud to be a community shaped and strengthened by incredible women, leaders, educators, innovators, and changemakers who uplift those around them every single day.
For International Women’s Month 2026, we are shining a spotlight on members of our community whose stories speak to resilience, purpose, and the transformative power of education.
Their journeys are powerful reminders that while the paths we walk are rarely straightforward, every challenge can become a catalyst for growth, and every voice has the power to inspire change.
Emma Roberts - Executive Director & Founder of the Bath College Women’s Commission
“I am currently an Executive Director at Bath College - having joined in 2022. I am a proud advocate of other women, having built a career based on resilience, integrity, and a commitment to lifting others as I lead.
I am a proud first-gen graduate, an achievement my late gran was so proud of (having lived in a two-room house share in the East End of London, she thought I would end up as Prime Minister after getting that degree)!”
Emma’s journey to leadership is defined not just by achievement, but by courage and an unwavering commitment to fairness. Early in her career, she navigated deeply challenging and unjust experiences that many women sadly still recognise.
“My journey hasn’t been without challenges. I experienced sexual assault and harassment in my first-ever part‑time job, and, sadly, this pattern was repeated in my first ‘proper’ job after graduating in local government. Here I was also passed over for promotion due to my gender.”
These formative experiences shaped the leader she is today - one driven by a mission to build safer, more respectful workplaces where women are not only protected, but championed.
“That moment became a catalyst for a now lifelong focus on strong safeguarding cultures, speaking up, and ensuring women are valued, heard, and championed - a passion I have
passed on to my 18‑year‑old son, who, I am hugely proud to say, is an amazing advocate of gender equality.”
Emma’s dedication to empowering women’s voices inspired the creation of the Bath College Women’s Commission - a space for connection, empowerment, and collective action across the college community.
“I wanted to start the Bath College Women’s Commission to create space for women’s voices, stories, and leadership across the college community, recognising the power of many to promote change.”
And like many women who forge dynamic, multifaceted lives, Emma brings a rich tapestry of experiences beyond the education sector.
Caroline Giles - Head of Department, Educator & Advocate for Lifelong Learning
“My journey has not been a conventional one, but it is one defined by resilience, determination and an unwavering belief in education as a vehicle for change.”
Leaving school with grades that didn’t reflect her potential, Caroline was also navigating personal adversity. Growing up, she survived domestic abuse - an experience that shaped her childhood with instability rather than support. Later, as an adult, she faced her own relational abuse that further threatened to derail her confidence and sense of self-worth. These challenges could easily hold her back. Instead, they became the foundation of her strength.
“After achieving poor results at secondary school and leaving college early, my path forward felt uncertain. I was also navigating significant personal challenges, having survived parental abuse in my early years and later relational abuse. These experiences could easily have defined my future, but, instead, they strengthened my resolve to create something different for myself.”
Her first step into employment came through a Youth Training Scheme, a place where she began to rebuild not just her skills, but her belief in what might be possible.
A life‑changing opportunity followed soon after. “A pivotal moment came when my mum, who ran a small independent ICT college, asked if I would consider doing some teaching. I discovered very quickly that I had a natural affinity for.”
In the classroom, Caroline found something she had never felt consistently: safety, confidence, and purpose. Teaching became the first environment where her voice wasn’t
diminished; it was valued. Realising she wanted to build a life shaped by empowerment rather than past trauma, Caroline rebuilt her academic foundation from the ground up.
“I retook my English and Maths qualifications, achieved stronger results, and went on to complete my teaching qualifications and a management degree.”
Among her many achievements, one remains closest to her heart: “Teaching English and Maths to 16–19-year-olds remains the part of my journey I treasure most. Knowing I played even a small role in strengthening their connection to education is something I carry with pride.”
Today, she leads a thriving department shaped by commitment, trust, and vision, a testament to the life she chose to build, not the one she came from. “Seeing it flourish is one of my proudest professional achievements.”
But above everything, her greatest source of pride is the family she has built on love, security and stability, the very things she was once denied. “Above all, my greatest achievement is being a single mother to my extraordinary 11-year-old son, Rex (Boo). He is my daily reminder of why resilience matters and why creating opportunities for ourselves and for others is always worth the challenge.”
Amy King - Marketer, Designer & Advocate for Resilience in Education
Amy’s journey into education marketing is rooted not just in professional skill, but in a profound understanding of how unpredictable life can be, and how deeply young people need compassion, belief, and guidance.
As a child living overseas, Amy lost her dad in a sudden surfing accident, a loss that forced her family to return to England and rebuild their lives under circumstances no child should have to navigate. What followed were years marked by grief, instability, and the effects of mental illness and addiction within the family.
Instead of being cared for, Amy often found herself caring for others.
Growing up in an environment where the priority was simply holding everything together made focusing on education extraordinarily difficult. Lessons and homework felt distant when real life required far more strength and responsibility than any young person should carry. Yet despite the obstacles and moments where the future felt uncertain, she refused to let her circumstances define her potential.
She went on to graduate, securing full‑time employment before even completing her degree. But entering the professional world brought its own challenges. She quickly
encountered misogyny in the workplace: being told to wear men’s cologne to be “taken more seriously,” being routinely sexualised, and receiving inappropriate messages from colleagues and clients outside working hours.
These experiences, shared by far too many women, became a catalyst for Amy’s passion for working with young people, especially those who feel their life path has been disrupted or derailed by things beyond their control.
Beyond overcoming childhood trauma, her journey has also been shaped by the people who stood beside her along the way. One of the most powerful influences in her life has been the friendships she formed during her own education, friendships that became lifelines during some of her hardest years.
To Amy, supporting learners isn’t just about grades or academic outcomes; it’s about building a community around them that genuinely cares. She knows first-hand how transformative it can be when a young person feels supported by peers who lift them, listen to them, and remind them they’re not alone.
Friendships are not an ‘extra’ in education; they are a form of resilience. "Helping learners nurture friendships is just as vital as helping them succeed academically. I’ve felt the power of having a supportive circle, how it can steady you, guide you, and help you imagine a future you didn’t think was possible. No one’s life follows a straight path, and that’s why struggle should never be mistaken for failure. Even when trauma touches your life too soon, you can still move forward with resilience, kindness, and clarity.”
Her work today is driven by the belief that when students feel safe, valued and connected, their education and their wellbeing can flourish in ways that change the trajectory of their lives.
Chloe Rogers - Curriculum Manager (Interim), Health Education & Sport
Chloe’s story is one of grit, perseverance, and redefining what is possible when the world tells you “no.”
Her journey in sport began with her being the only girl on her football team, a position she held for five years before local girls’ teams even existed. Despite the lack of pathways, her talent was undeniable.
“I was 21 years old crying in the hospital room when I was told I’d never be able to compete again, but let’s rewind slightly… from a young age I was the only female footballer in my team, and I stayed that way for five years.”
With no girls’ team available, Chloe was scouted, and her parents committed to a three‑hour round trip so she could train with Bristol City and even trial for England. Football became central to her identity. But alongside the dream came significant physical setbacks.
“I was 18 when I had my first knee operation, came back and at 20 had a second… After my third operation I was told I would never run or compete again and should take up another sport entirely (the surgeon joked it was one you can sit down in), but I didn’t accept that.”
Chloe refused to accept limitations. She worked her way back to the pitch, going on to play for Cheltenham, Larkhall, Portishead and Pucklechurch, often travelling up to six hours on a Sunday to compete against teams such as Torquay, Plymouth, Bristol Rovers, Saltash and Bristol City.
Beyond football, she has discovered a new passion in Hyrox competitions, regularly competing alongside her brother: “We’ve consistently placed in the top 10% of our wave and top 18% of all competitions in running (some events have 40,000 compete) while raising money and awareness for Macmillan Cancer.”
Her athletic journey has also become a vehicle for charity. Alongside her brother, she has completed events from a virtual Land’s End to John O’Groats, to half marathons across Bristol, Weymouth, Edinburgh and Dublin, Race for Life events, and a dedicated run in memory of her aunt. Chloe continues to push her own limits, now training for the London Marathon, with a Hyrox event scheduled just three days later.
Her impact extends beyond sport. Through her social media, she documents her training, motivates other women to enter sport and fitness, and shares honest tips and reflections, with posts reaching anywhere from 20K to 57K interactions. “Inspiring 1 person to live a healthier life is still the goal.”
At the heart of her drive is the legacy of the women who inspired her, and her determination to pass that inspiration onto the next generation. “My parents drove hours for me to watch inspiring women in their sport field, my mum and my nan are incredible inspirations and I now want to inspire the next generation of our students and my nieces.”
Chloe lives by a powerful mantra: “Don’t dim your light to protect someone else’s eyes.”
Surrounded by men who cheer her on and women who work to make the world better, Chloe is blazing a trail, showing students and colleagues alike that barriers are there to be broken.
Sadie Potts – Head of Construction, Engineering & Rural Economy: Leadership Beyond the Job Title
Sadie’s journey through education and leadership has been shaped by balancing the demands of being a full‑time working parent while leading some of the college’s largest and most technically complex departments. Managing these responsibilities has strengthened her resilience and shaped the way she supports both colleagues and students, recognising that real success often lies in the unseen work that takes place quietly, consistently, and with deep commitment.
Much of Sadie’s leadership experience has been built within the traditionally male‑dominated fields of construction and engineering. While these environments can bring challenges, her career has been defined by genuine support from colleagues, especially the men who have championed equality and contributed to a culture where women are respected, encouraged, and able to thrive.
Her impact extends far beyond her professional role.
Alongside her work at the college, Sadie is committed to supporting young people in the wider community. She serves on the committee of a local charity amateur dramatics group and runs the youth section, providing a creative outlet where young people can develop confidence, teamwork, and a sense of belonging.
A standout moment in her career came when she was invited to a Royal Garden Party in recognition of her services to education, an honour that reinforced the value of the work she continues to do in shaping opportunities and improving outcomes for young people.
Today, Sadie is proud to work alongside exceptional women and dedicated allies across Bath College. Their professionalism, compassion, and commitment inspire her daily, and she is driven to contribute to a culture that supports and celebrates the achievements and potential of all.
Kelly Vaughan‑Watkins – Head of Adult Skills & Advocate for Lifelong Learning
Kelly’s journey into education leadership is rooted in lived experience, of changing paths, returning to learning, and proving that it is never too late to redefine your future.
Leaving school with GCSEs and no higher‑level qualifications, she left A Levels and then a BTEC after realising she didn’t yet know what she wanted to do. She spent several years moving between roles in sales and marketing, working with CCTV and intruder alarm systems, before stepping away to raise her three children. At the time, she was working in a pub when the idea of returning to education first took hold.
What felt like an impossible commitment soon became a turning point.
Kelly began an English Literature degree with the Open University at the age of 32, completing it at 38. The six‑year journey felt daunting at first, until someone told her: “In six years, you’ll be 38 anyway, so you may as well be 38 with a degree.”
It became a mantra that shaped the next phase of her life.
Seven years ago, Kelly joined Bath College as a part‑time administrator in the Adult Community Learning department under the leadership of Anna Wheeler, an inspiring mentor whose work continues today supporting women through the Women’s Work Lab. Kelly found herself drawn to planning courses, working closely with students, and seeing firsthand how transformative adult learning can be.
Her love of learning continued to grow. After completing her BA, she enrolled onto an MA in Crime & Gothic Fiction at Bath Spa University, completing it part‑time over two years, the final year delivered entirely online during the pandemic. During this period, her department achieved one of its most impactful initiatives: training around 50 volunteers for 3SG to support lonely and isolated individuals during lockdown.
When the college reopened, Kelly returned to ACL, increased her hours, and took on the role of ACL Coordinator. Alongside this, she enrolled onto a Level 5 teaching qualification at Bath College and began teaching entry‑level English to adults, balancing teaching, coordinating, and studying all at once.
Her progression continued as she became Curriculum Manager for Distance Learning & ESOL, eventually taking on leadership of the entire Adult Skills department, including ACL, part‑time qualifications, and full‑cost courses. Nearly two years into the role, Kelly leads a thriving, dynamic area of the college with pride.
She credits her team, and the extraordinary women she works alongside, for the constant learning, evolving, and energy that shape every day.
Kelly’s journey is the reason she advocates so strongly for adult learning, why she believes in flexible, accessible opportunities, and why she knows that adults can rewrite their story at any age, with the right support.
Beyond college life, Kelly also plays a vital role in her community. She sits on the committee of her local youth football club and, this season, has taken on coaching the Under 6 and Under 7 teams, continuing her commitment to helping young people learn, thrive, and grow.
Laura Moon – Quality Improvement Manager & Champion of Teaching Excellence
Laura’s journey in education began at just 22, when she started teaching in the Sport department at Bath College. Young, driven and passionate, she quickly found purpose in supporting learners to grow in confidence and independence.
Her ambition soon led her to London, where she worked as a PE teacher before progressing into a Pastoral Manager role, an experience that deepened her understanding of student wellbeing, support, and the wider challenges young people face. When she returned to Bath, Laura also returned to the Sport department at the college, moving into a CTL role. It was during this time that she met her now husband, and together have gone on to have three children.
In 2021, Laura’s life changed in ways she could never have anticipated. At just 22 months old, her son George was diagnosed with a brain tumour. She was eight months pregnant with her second child at the time.
George underwent 14 hours of brain surgery followed by six months of chemotherapy. While he was on treatment, Laura welcomed her daughter Millie into the world, splitting her days between caring for a newborn at home and spending long hours at the hospital with her son. It was a period defined by fear, exhaustion, and extraordinary strength.
After George completed his chemotherapy, Laura returned to the college and progressed into the role of Head of Department for English and Maths. But in 2023, the family faced another devastating setback when George’s tumour returned. He received treatment at a proton beam centre in London, and Laura stepped away briefly to be with him during this critical time.
When George completed his treatment, Laura again returned to Bath College and continued in her role with the same resilience that had carried her through the previous years. In 2024, she welcomed her third child, Ruby. After maternity leave, Laura returned to the college to take on a new and exciting challenge within the Quality team.
In her role as Quality Improvement Manager, she now supports new staff, works across multiple departments, and helps drive improvements in teaching, learning, assessment,
and overall provision. Her work strengthens the college’s culture of excellence, ensuring that staff feel supported and students receive the highest quality of education.
Laura does all of this while raising three young children.
George is now doing well and continues to be regularly monitored by children’s hospital services, a testament to his own resilience and the unwavering support of his family.
Her journey is one of profound courage, deep compassion, and remarkable determination. Through both personal and professional challenge, Laura continues to uplift those around her and strengthen the college community with her commitment, warmth, and leadership.
Women in Education: The Statistics Behind the Story
While these experiences reflect courage and progress, the broader landscape shows why our work must continue.
Globally, women make up around 70% of the teaching workforce yet hold only 30% of top leadership roles such as principals, superintendents, and education ministers.
In higher education, the gap widens further, with women representing just 24% of university vice‑chancellors.
UNESCO’s 2025 Gender Report highlights that although women dominate early childhood and primary education, their presence in leadership declines steadily at each rung of the educational ladder.
However, progress is possible and visible.
Countries including Finland, Sweden, and New Zealand now see 40% or more of senior education leadership roles held by women, demonstrating that structural change can be achieved when systems actively support it.
These statistics illustrate a reality we must continue to challenge.
The gender imbalance in educational leadership is not due to a lack of talent, commitment, or ambition, but to longstanding structural barriers that still require dismantling.
At Bath College, we are proud to be contributing to that change.
Through the Bath College Women’s Commission, the leadership of women like Emma and Caroline, and a community committed to equity, we are honoured to be helping steer the sector in the right direction.
We are not just celebrating women today. We are helping change the story for tomorrow.