Senior Leadership Team
James Doherty - Principal
James has been a part of UTC Portsmouth since before it opened its doors. Having studied biomedical sciences, he has carried his passion for STEM forwards through to the establishment and running of UTC Portsmouth. His background in chemistry, biochemistry and genetics and his decision to study these subjects stems from inspirational teaching received during science lessons in school.
James is an experienced leader with more than 10 years’ experience of coordinating and delivering physics, chemistry and biology courses in local schools. As an educator his interests are in educational innovation at all ages and lectures both locally and regionally on this subject matter. Conveying the awe and wonder of the wider world and scientific developments is a key feature of his approach to leading STEM education.
Ryan Gibson - Vice Principal: Director of Curriculum
Ryan is an experienced leader with over 15 years of academic and pastoral leadership experience across a number of different Hampshire schools. He has a love for all things related to learning and throughout his career has sought to create the right conditions for staff and students to excel.
Ryan began his teaching career in 2001 as a teacher of Physical Education and Sports Science. Recognising its emerging importance to students' futures, Ryan changed career path in 2008 to become a teacher of Computer Science. Since then he has enjoyed learning several programming and scripting languages and passing on his love for all aspects relating to Computer Science to his students and colleagues.
Outside of UTC Ryan enjoys all watching and taking part in all forms of sport. Having recently taken up golf after a 15-year hiatus he is working hard on reducing his handicap.
Claire Dickens - Assistant Principal: Director of Teaching & Learning
Claire was born in Portsmouth and in twenty years of teaching has rarely strayed more than 10 miles beyond the city’s outskirts. Most recently she was Assistant Head and Founding Head of Sixth Form at Meoncross School in Stubbington, following seven years at Portsmouth Grammar School as Head of English and Senior Teacher. Claire is passionate about her subject and the students she comes into contact with, believing absolutely that everyone has the ability to blossom, whether as young adults or simply in their appreciation and love for language and literature. She has written several teaching guides and is also a senior examiner. Claire is very excited to be joining UTC Portsmouth for a new challenge.
When not teaching, Claire can be found in her art studio messing about with textiles, with her daughter on a beach collecting sea-glass or bombing about the South Downs in a Morgan Three-Wheeler. A believer in life-long learning, Claire has also recently taken up the piano.
Alex Blandford - Assistant Principal: Director of Co-curricular
Alex has an interest in how all products look and how they work, stemming from a love of design, technology and innovative practice in education. Always keen to get the best from his students, he has introduced new technologies into the classroom alongside reinvigorating traditional skills and crafts. With over 10 years experience of working in a variety of schools as a teacher and subsequently Head of Product Design and Head of Design and Technology, Alex has managed a number of whole school initiatives and projects with great success. Alex believes that STEM in education is absolutely key to fulfilling the workplace shortfall of engineers and is passionate about making solid links between industry and education.
Outside of UTC, Alex enjoys all forms of motorsport and marvels at the precision and commitment that teams demonstrate in their engineering prowess. Alongside this he enjoys reading, the gym and spending time with his family.
Damien Edmondson - Assistant Principal: Director of Culture (Designated Safeguarding Lead)
Since joining in 2017, Damien Edmondson has held roles such as Head of Science and Data & Reports Manager and sat on the Board of Trustees, showcasing his dedication to UTC Portsmouth. Through a robust reflective assessment system, a strong Health & Safety culture, and establishing UTC Portsmouth as the most successful Institute of Physics Hub in the UK, Damien's leadership has enhanced continuous improvement and accountability within and beyond the college. His transformative leadership style, which is both democratic and innovative, effectively addresses the college community's dynamic needs, motivating others to think outside the box.
Damien is known for his empathy and professionalism in ensuring student well-being. His passion for STEM education and mentorship has positioned UTC Portsmouth as a regional leader. Outside of work, Damien enjoys walking his German Shepherd, playing The Elder Scrolls, and spending time with his family.
Debbie Young - Director of Operations
Debbie Young is a highly motivated, knowledgeable School Business leader. with 15 years’ experience in HR, Finance, Health & Safety and Admin Management at senior management level working in school establishments across Hampshire
Throughout the course of Debbie's career she has built knowledge and experience of working in Education enjoying new challenges, and problem solving.
As the college Director of Operations, Debbie is responsible for the strategic, financial growth of the college including service contracts, estate management and management of resources.
Wellbeing plays an extremely important part in Debbie's life, finding balance in everyday life for improving overall health. Debbie thoroughly enjoys spending time with her family and walking the dog, as well as travelling.