Lynne Staley-Brookes
MEd, BEd, Cert Ed
Since July 2001 Lynne has been Principal of Plymouth College of Art and Design, having spent over 30 years working with the Creative Industries and art and design education.
Lynne Staley-Brookes was educated at University of Nottingham and the Polytechnic of Huddersfield. Since 1972, she has held a wide range of Lecturing and Senior Management posts in Further and Higher Education Institutions.
She is chair of the Association of Specialist Colleges of Art and Design and contributes to a wide range of national and regional developments for the purpose and benefit of design education – from post – 14 through to further and higher education.
In 1994, Lincolnshire College of Art and Design, at which Lynne was Principal, amalgamated with De Montfort University: the College became a School of De Montfort University. In 1996 Lynne became Director of Quality, (Educational Development); and in 1997 Director of De Montfort College with responsibility for HE collaboration, FE provision and work with the pre-HE sectors.
Lynne was the Director of Educational Partnerships from September 1999, to June 2001, with responsibility for the University’s Associate De Montfort College collaborative network, (HE provision in Further Education Colleges); Widening Participation strategic developments with schools, colleges, HEI’S and the broader community; and the University’s FE provision and interaction with FEFC and LSCs, moreover representing the University on local Learning Partnerships and in collaborative developments.
Plymouth College of Art and Design was originally founded as an Art School in the 19th century and is now one of only four remaining specialist art colleges in the UK. As a main provider of vocational art and design education in the region, the College offers a wide variety of practical-based programmes in art, design, crafts and media, from introductory to degree level, full-time and part-time, serving the needs of the Creative Industries sector.
Currently some 2,000 students are enrolled on courses at the College, including more than 1,300 studying on Further Education courses and more than 600 studying on Higher Education courses. With over 250 members of staff employed and an annual turnover of £7.6 million, the College serves a number of local, regional and national markets and also attracts international students from many overseas countries.
The College is recognised for its effective partnership and collaboration work, for example employer engagement through the Industrial Liaison Groups and in widening participation into learning. Through its pre-entry courses, work-based provision, apprenticeships and continuous professional development for employees, Plymouth College of Art and Design plays a key role in meeting the skills needs of the Creative Industries Sector.
The College is a member of the National Art Learning Network; a Creative Arts Network which brings together the country’s leading Art Colleges with the aim of increasing the range of courses and progression opportunities for students.
Continued investment in the College’s estate and technical resources and an exciting proposed property re-development, ensures that all students have access to a high quality practice-based experience, learning cutting-edge skills and techniques. With many awards achieved, an on-site professional gallery, specialist art and design materials supply centre and a state-of-the-art Studio Theatre, students experience a friendly, supportive and challenging College, where tutors feel passionately that each student should discover their creative potential and where hard work leads to success.