National leader role in further education has been assumed by Justine Barlow, the principal of Notre Dame.
Justine Barlow, an esteemed figure in the further education sector with over three decades of experience, has been appointed as a National Leader of Further Education (NLFE) by the Department for Education. This prestigious role sees Barlow take on a significant responsibility in enhancing the further education (FE) sector, ensuring it meets workforce needs and delivers excellent educational outcomes.
With a career that began at Blackburn College in 1993 as a Lecturer in the History of Art and Design, Barlow has since held various leadership and management roles in further education, including her tenure at Cardinal Newman College in Preston, where she served as Vice Principal for seven years.
As an NLFE, Barlow will diagnose areas for improvement, provide strategic mentoring, and lead collaborative projects. She will also advise government and policy makers on further education priorities and workforce skills development, ensuring FE provision aligns with future job market demands. Barlow will champion professional development for FE teachers and staff, strengthening the quality of education and enhancing learner outcomes across the sector.
Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College, where Barlow currently serves as Principal, has consistently achieved excellent academic results under her leadership and strengthened its partnerships with local employers and higher education institutions. The college has earned two Ofsted 'Outstanding' ratings, including a 'Strong' rating for skills in 2024.
The appointment of Barlow as an NLFE brings development opportunities for senior staff at Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College. They will often take part in leading improvement projects and transfer learning back into their home college. Barlow will work closely with the Further Education Commissioner's team, other NLFEs, and NLGs to ensure consistent improvement across the sector.
Passionate about the transformative power of education, Barlow believes in the importance of strong, values-driven leadership. She has served as Head of Faculty and Head of Art & Design at St Mary's College, Blackburn, from 2005 to 2010. As an NLFE, Barlow will continue to champion these values, collaborating with local stakeholders and place-based teams to foster partnerships that deliver responsive and inclusive educational opportunities.
The role of an NLFE is crucial in bridging policy and practice to ensure further education effectively contributes to economic growth and social inclusion by preparing learners with skills needed by the modern economy. By taking on this role, Justine Barlow will undoubtedly continue to make a significant impact on the further education sector.
Justine Barlow's new role as an NLFE will allow her to focus on personal growth and learning, as she works to enhance educational outcomes in the further education sector. As a NLFE, Barlow will champion education-and-self-development for FE teachers and staff, aiming for continuous improvement in the quality of learning across the sector.
