Alison Clarke

Alison Clarke was the former Principal of Canterbury College in Kent, England. She held this position until 2016 when she announced her retirement as the college was preparing for a merger.4

Background and Career

Alison Clarke has strong ties to Kent and Canterbury College. She was educated in Kent, attending grammar school before studying at Canterbury College at the age of 16, where she pursued vocational studies.2 This educational background likely contributed to her eventual leadership role at the institution.

Tenure as Principal

During her time as Principal, Clarke's leadership style became a subject of controversy. A government report described her as "controlling and dictatorial".1 The further education commissioner's assessment stated that the working environment under Clarke's leadership left colleagues "petrified into dysfunction".5

Departure and College Merger

Clarke's departure from Canterbury College coincided with plans for a merger that was expected to result in job cuts and department consolidations.4 The merger discussions came at a time when the college was reportedly facing financial difficulties, with one source claiming it was "sliding into economic ruin" under Clarke's leadership.6

Professional Profile

While specific details about Clarke's current professional activities are limited, her LinkedIn profile confirms her past role as Principal at Canterbury College.3 It's worth noting that her LinkedIn profile shows only one connection, suggesting limited activity or privacy settings on the platform.