Meet The Team

The Careers Team, work extensively with all staff, parents and stakeholders striving to equip our students beginning their respective career journey with the skills to make informed pathway decisions

Mark Cook - Deputy Principal

Mark was the former careers lead at The Skipton Academy and SLT link for careers

Jibran Khalil - Assistant Principal & Careers Lead

Jibran is the careers lead at The Skipton Academy, taking on this position in September 2022. Prior to joining The Skipton Academy, Jibran worked at Ilkley Grammar School, holding several positions during his time, from Teacher of Computer Science & ICT to Ed-Tech Coordinator, Progress & Experience Leader and Student Leadership & Extra-Curricular Champion. Jibran also has a wealth of experience in the industry working as Technical Support for a consultancy company. Jibran is a qualified Level 7, Careers Lead. Jibran is passionate about careers and is driven to ensure all students have access to a high-quality careers programme, that prepares them for the many challenges they will experience during their learning and employment journey.

Sara Ashworth - Independent Career Adviser

Sara is an independent Careers Adviser who provides confidential, one-to-one career advice and guidance meetings to pupils.  Sara spent many years working in the university sector, including the University of Manchester. In 2014, she trained as a career professional, achieving a level 6 qualification in career guidance and development.   Sara now works in different schools across Lancashire offering career guidance to young people between the ages of 11-19.  She is a member of the professional body for careers professionals, the Career Development Institute (CDI).  

David Cutter - Trustee/Governor Link

David Cutter was Chief Executive at The Skipton Building Society, the UK’s fourth largest building society with 18000 employees and over 1 million members. He is a qualified chartered accountant, studying economics at Durham University, spending the next 10 years working at KPMG

Tobias Neale - Enterprise Advisor

Tobias is currently the Senior Director for Client Service Management at TSYS. Tobias is an Experienced Delivery Head with a demonstrated history of working in the financial services industry. Skilled in Coaching, Sales, Customer Relationship Management, Contact Centers, and FinTech. Tobias is a strong operations professional who graduated from the Army School of Ammunition.