York College Further & Adult Education head Katharine becomes CIFE's first-ever Licentiate

Katharine, our Director of Curriculum for Further & Adult Education, had the honour bestowed upon her during the CIFE’s 2026 Summer Admissions Ceremony held at the Apothecaries Hall in London.

Applicants for the new national award were judged on their commitment to CPD (Continuing Professional Development), FE experience and the impact and contributions that they have made to the wider sector. 

Katharine’s leadership and teaching experience were cited as reasons for her becoming the CIFE’s first Licentiate.

Other key factors included the Education Leadership doctoral research Katharine has undertaken, along with her support for youth work and post-16 transition via her governance role at a local education and employment charity.

The licentiateship was presented by CIFE chairman Lord Lingfield, who said: “It gives me great pleasure to confer this award on Katharine who becomes the very first Licentiate of the Chartered Institution in recognition of her extensive contribution to Further Education. I congratulate her sincerely, hope that this is the first of many more Licentiates that we may celebrate and look forward to Katharine achieving Fellowship in the near future.”

Licentiateship has been introduced as the qualifying level before Fellowship of the Institution is awarded, with Katharine admitting: “It doesn’t quite feel real to say that I am the first person ever to be awarded Licentiate of the Chartered Institute of Further Education. I’m so proud to lead the way on professional accreditation in a sector so full of incredible and passionate professionals. 

“Thank you to (York College & University Centre Principal & Chief Executive) Ken Merry for the recommendation, Joanne Irving-Walton (from Teesside University) for the ongoing academic guidance and, as always, my husband Calem (Dent-Jones) for the constant support!”

Katharine’s career has spanned more than 20 years in Further Education, including close to 15 years at York College.

Previously, she progressed into curriculum management and became an Advanced Teaching Practitioner at Uxbridge College, where she focused on developing high-impact teaching strategies and staff CPD. 

She has occupied her current SLT role at York College since January 2024 and added: “My career in Further Education has taught me that what we provide is about more than qualifications, it’s about delivering skills for life, supporting wellbeing and building the confidence and resilience learners need in a rapidly changing world. That mission continues to underpin everything I do.

“York College is a great place to work and study and I’m so proud of what the staff here at College do to support the amazing achievements of our learners past and present.”

Katharine was accompanied at the ceremony by Ken, who is a CIFE Fellow and our Deputy Principal & Chief Executive Joy Kettyle, who was awarded Membership at the ceremony.

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