Leadership Team

Paul Padda - Principal and CEO

Paul has been part of East Coast College since 2013, when he joined the former Great Yarmouth College as Programme Manager for mathematics and English. He later took on wider responsibility for adult, community and learning support before progressing to Deputy Principal for Curriculum, Quality and Learner Experience. 

Before joining the college, Paul held a range of senior curriculum management roles across the further education sector, overseeing teaching delivery and commercial activity in diverse subject areas.

Throughout his career, Paul has made a significant contribution to improving the quality of teaching and learning and strengthening outcomes for students. His leadership played an important role in the college achieving an Ofsted 'Good' grading in 2020.

Paul holds a first degree in Law and a MSc in Computer Science.

Urmila Rasan - Deputy Chief Executive Officer 

Urmila is an EY trained chartered accountant whose career began in Sri Lanka, where she was on the path to becoming an executive director at a major blue chip organisation. After relocating to the UK, she rebuilt her career from the ground up, progressing through the finance and corporate sectors to become Deputy CEO of East Coast College.

Her professional journey has been shaped by the support of influential mentors, including Peter McKee, former CEO of Raytheon Corporate Jets and Governor at Stanmore College. Their guidance helped her balance career progression with family responsibilities while developing her leadership expertise.

Urmila brings extensive strategic, financial and organisational leadership to the college.

Gary Jefferson - Deputy Principal 

Gary began his career as a mechanical engineering apprentice specialising in manufacturing and production. He went on to become General Manager of a successful hydraulic equipment manufacturer in North Norfolk before moving into further education to support the next generation of engineers and innovators.

With 15 years of senior leadership experience in FE, Gary is committed to delivering outstanding education built around strong learner focus and meaningful partnerships with employers. His work ensures that the curriculum remains industry relevant and that students receive high quality technical training.

Ann Wall - Executive Director of People, Wellbeing and Recruitment 

Ann has more than 20 years of experience in human resources, beginning her career at Asda’s head office during a period when the organisation was recognised as Britain’s best large employer. This foundation in HR best practice has supported her work across multiple sectors, including retail, oil and gas and education.

After relocating to East Anglia in 2017, Ann joined the college to support its merger and has remained ever since. She is a passionate advocate for staff wellbeing and is committed to ensuring East Coast College is recognised as an inclusive and welcoming place to work.

Ann holds a BA (Hons) in English Language and is a member of the CIPD.

Rachel Bunn - Director of Commercial and Community Projects

Rachel has been part of East Coast College, formerly Lowestoft College, since 2002. She previously served as Executive Director of Curriculum and Quality, leading curriculum intent, development and enhancement.

She has extensive experience in curriculum quality improvement, stakeholder engagement, partnership development and addressing regional skills needs. Since 2019, Rachel has led the college’s commercial training company, managed a range of ESF projects and served as the college STEM lead.

Rachel has studied at degree and masters level in Environmental Science and completed a MSc in Educational Leadership in 2015. Outside the college, she volunteers as Chairperson and Trustee of Chedgrave Oxygen Therapy Centre and runs a charity event management company.

Kerry Payne - Lowestoft Sixth Form College Principal and Assistant Principal for Higher Education and Adults

Kerry joined East Coast College, formerly Great Yarmouth College, in 2005 and has more than 20 years of experience in post compulsory and higher education. She has significant expertise in curriculum development, quality assurance and driving improvement through robust self assessment and strong leadership of teaching and learning.

Kerry has led a wide range of curriculum areas across FE and HE, with a proven track record of raising student achievement.

She holds a BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology and Genetics, an MSc in Science, an MBA and a PGCE with QTLS status.

Tom Roberts - Assistant Principal 

Tom began his teaching career as a Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science after completing his MSc in Strength and Conditioning. During his studies, he worked as a Sport Scientist intern with Watford Football Club. He has taught across all levels of further and higher education.

Tom progressed into management as Planning and Performance Manager before becoming Director of Resourcing and Performance, where he served as the college’s Quality Lead. He joined East Coast College in 2022 as Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Quality.

Holly Chase - Assistant Principal 

Holly was born and educated in the United States, completing a degree in Business Management with a minor in events and travel and tourism. After moving to the UK in 2000, she continued her studies in Education.

Holly has worked at East Coast College, formerly Great Yarmouth College, since 2010. She has explored a wide range of pedagogical approaches in both Europe and the United States and is passionate about ensuring that learners of all ages have access to high quality education.

Wendy Stanger - Director of Governance

Wendy’s career spans a wide range of roles, including Senior Local Authority Housing Manager, NHS Internal Auditor and VAT Inspector. She has worked in governance since 2014 and has served as both a school governor chair and, earlier in her career, a student governor.

Wendy holds a BA (Hons) in Politics and Law, a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management, is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and a Fellow of the Chartered Governance Institute.

She has received national recognition for her expertise, including Governance Professional of the Year 2019, Highly Commended Champion for Governance 2024, Champion for Governance 2025 and recognition as a Governance Trailblazer in the DMJ Recruitment Governance Hot 100 Awards 2025.

In 2023, Wendy was appointed a National Leader of Governance with the Further Education Commissioner.