Michele Sutton became Principal and Chief Executive of Bradford College in August 2004. Bradford College is one of the largest further education colleges in the UK with a diverse student population including large numbers of young people (4,000), Adults (14,000), Higher Education Students (5,000).

For the previous five years Michele was Principal and Chief Executive of Hopwood Hall College in Rochdale and prior to this, she held Vice-Principal positions at City College, Manchester and Handsworth College, Birmingham. Whilst working in Rochdale she was also a Council Member for the Great Manchester Learning & Skills Council.

Michele first joined further education as a lecturer in business studies in 1980, after spending 11 years in industry working in the areas of textiles, printing and sports marketing. She is passionate about the value that further education colleges bring both to individuals and the communities, towns and cities in which they are located, including Birmingham, Manchester and Rochdale.

In July 2009 Michele was awarded the OBE for services to further education and community relations.

Michele Sutton is participating in the Widening access to higher level skills session.