Stephen Carlisle has been Principal at Accrington and Rossendale College for three years having previously held the post of Deputy. Accrington and Rossendale is a general further education college delivering a vocational curriculum which is closely aligned with the needs of the regional and local economy. The College was judged to be Outstanding in all aspects by Ofsted in May 2009, holds the prestigious Queens Anniversary Prize and won a national e-learning award in 2009.

Prior to moving into the FE sector he worked in Human Resources as a Director. Stephen completed a teaching qualification in 1997 and has led both business support and curriculum teams.

Stephen Carlisle is a member of the national Hair and Beauty Skills Group and the National League of Excellence and Innovation which has gained funding to share outstanding practice within the FE sector, he also recently presented a session at the national Good to Great Conference. Stephen is a member of the Pennine Lancashire Employment and Skills Board and is determined that the College plays a major role in the economic regeneration of Pennine Lancashire.