Stephane Bolla, DProf
United Kingdom
Summary
Doctorate research fellow and senior leader in education with expertise in digital innovation, educational leadership, and artificial intelligence. Led initiatives to integrate AI technology into leadership, management, and curriculum design. As Senior Head of STEM at top FE/HE colleges, reformed STEM education programs to emphasize real-world problem solving and digital development. Proven skills in communication and public relations, fostering collaboration with FE providers and enhancing course validation processes.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Head of AI, Digital Innovation and Computing
Woking College & UWTSD
08.2023 - 08.2025
- Spearheaded strategic integration of AI tools across curriculum delivery and administrative processes.
- Developed a five-year digital literacy roadmap aligned with institutional goals.
- Conducted training workshops for over 100 staff on AI ethics and digital pedagogy.
- Oversaw curriculum design for computing, IT, and games courses to ensure compliance with exam board standards.
Head of STEM
Coulsdon College
08.2022 - 08.2023
- Provided strategic direction for pathway development and implementation.
- Oversaw execution of strategic vision and goals across the pathway.
- Led policy, plan, and procedure development aimed at enhancing teaching and learning.
- Monitored and evaluated quality of teaching and learning throughout the pathway.
- Facilitated professional development initiatives to enhance classroom practices.
- Analysed student progress data to pinpoint areas needing improvement.
- Implemented targeted strategies to boost student achievement outcomes.
- Managed recruitment, mentorship, and performance reviews of pathway members.
Head of Faculty Computing, IT, and Media
Coulsdon College
08.2015 - 08.2022
- Conducted performance appraisals for 10 team members, enhancing individual contributions.
- Oversaw achievement rates and recruitment for Levels 2-4 as Academic Leader for Computer Science.
- Managed BTEC and A-Level programmes in IT, Computer Science, Creative Media, and Film.
- Implemented action plans following observations to improve teaching quality.
- Facilitated Ofsted inspections in 2018 and 2014 as link manager.
- Directed curriculum development aligned with the Quality Improvement Plan.
- Reviewed target setting and analysed data to drive value-added gains.
- Delivered continuous professional development for staff, ensuring consistency across college.
Head of Department IT & Computing
Coulsdon College
08.2010 - 08.2016
- Provided leadership to teachers by creating an environment that enabled them to achieve college and subject aims.
- Facilitated communication between subject teachers and the rest of the faculty.
- Planned and efficiently managed subject staff and physical resources.
- Organised enriching trips and speaker visits for students.
- Handled timetabling, staff/learner recruitment, observations, and learner feedback.
- Managed and developed staff and ensured quality by liaising with stakeholders.
- Actively contributed to college SAR, QIP, and OFSTED inspections.
- Solely responsible for SAR, QIP, and budget for the IT and computing curriculum.
- Line managed five team members and conducted performance appraisals.
Course Leader Level 3 IT & Computing
Coulsdon College
08.2006 - 08.2010
Teacher of Computing and IT
Coulsdon College
08.2005 - 08.2006
Teacher of Computing and IT, Course Manager
NewVIc
08.2004 - 08.2005
Teacher of Computing and IT
Oddies Education Ltd.
08.2003 - 08.2004
IT Analyst for BT, Cable & Wireless
Selection Services Ltd.
07.2001 - 12.2002
IT Support Eng.
iDesk Plc
12.2000 - 06.2001
- Voice and email support across Europe.
Education
Doctorate - Leading Through Digital Transformation: Investigating the Use of Technology by Further Education College Leaders in England
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
01.2018 - 01.2023
Introduction to Teaching and Learning in HE - undefined
SEDA
01.2021 - 01.2022
MA - educational leadership
Roehampton University
01.2014 - 01.2016
Post Graduate Certificate - Education
University of Greenwich
01.2005 - 01.2007
Skills
- Data analysis and digital transformation
- Artificial intelligence in education
- Virtual learning tools
- Flipped learning strategies
- Microsoft Office 365 proficiency
- Strategic planning and thinking
- Consultation with educational providers
- Vocational leadership and qualifications
- Public speaking and relations
- Quality assurance processes
- Program development
Affiliations
- Ad-hoc Reviewer, Zigzag education
- Professional Organisation Member, British Computer Society (BCS)
- Professional Organisation Member, British Educational Research Association (BERA)
- Professional Organisation Member, British Educational Leadership, Management, and Administration Society (BELMAS)
- Committee Member, Governor Primary School: Chair education committee, 2009–2014
- Committee Member, Governor Secondary Grammar School: Chair Education Committee, 2015-2018
- Committee Member, Member of the Parochial Church Council Committee, 2018-2021
Custom
- 07/05/21 - 07/08/21, 15TH AAU GENERAL: THEME THE FUTURE OF AFRICAN HIGHER EDUCATION, Warwick University
- 07/15/24 - 07/20/24, ICT4Africa: ‘Digital Transformation: Current Trends and Future Insights’
- 03/06/25 - 03/07/25, HESA's AI-CADEMY: Canada Summit for Post-Secondary Education
Languages
French
Fluent
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Head of AI, Digital Innovation and Computing
Woking College & UWTSD
08.2023 - 08.2025
Head of STEM
Coulsdon College
08.2022 - 08.2023
Introduction to Teaching and Learning in HE - undefined
SEDA
01.2021 - 01.2022
Doctorate - Leading Through Digital Transformation: Investigating the Use of Technology by Further Education College Leaders in England
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
01.2018 - 01.2023
Head of Faculty Computing, IT, and Media
Coulsdon College
08.2015 - 08.2022
MA - educational leadership
Roehampton University
01.2014 - 01.2016
Head of Department IT & Computing
Coulsdon College
08.2010 - 08.2016
Course Leader Level 3 IT & Computing
Coulsdon College
08.2006 - 08.2010
Teacher of Computing and IT
Coulsdon College
08.2005 - 08.2006
Post Graduate Certificate - Education
University of Greenwich
01.2005 - 01.2007
Teacher of Computing and IT, Course Manager
NewVIc
08.2004 - 08.2005
Teacher of Computing and IT
Oddies Education Ltd.
08.2003 - 08.2004
IT Analyst for BT, Cable & Wireless
Selection Services Ltd.
07.2001 - 12.2002
IT Support Eng.
iDesk Plc
12.2000 - 06.2001
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