Whilst at school, I never worried about what I wanted to be. My dream was always to go into the Army, I never dreamed of being an accountant. 

It was therefore most distressing when, in my final year at Durham University, I found out I was unable to join the Army on medical grounds and so I had to try and figure out what I really wanted to be when I grew up. 

I'd heard good things about being a Chartered Accountant and this seemed like a good route to take without knowing exactly where it could lead. Not wanting to move to London, I settled into Deloitte Cambridge, where I had a brilliant 3 years travelling the world auditing various businesses from owner managed to listed from life sciences to a coat manufacturer. 

After Deloitte, I jumped straight into industry, where I spent nearly eight years with a variety of roles in different sectors (who knew Steel Cable companies could be exciting!) which really helped give me a broad scope of experience and develop both my financial and leadership skills.

After a successful stint in the private sector, I then moved into the public sector as Deputy Principal of Chesterfield College (responsible for all non-academic functions), an education provider for 16+ students and apprentices, with a particular strength in vocational pathways (construction, motor vehicle and hair and beauty to name a few). Having been part of an Executive team, which led a successful turnaround of the College, I moved into my current role as Chief Finance Officer at the Trafford and Stockport College Group. 

Although I had always had a negative view of the public sector, and never thought I'd work in education (even though both my parents were teachers, my eldest sister is a teacher and I am married to a teacher...you could say it's the family business), I absolutely love my job and it's the hardest, yet most fulfilling once I have ever had. I spend my days ensuring that the funding we get is used in the best possible way to help our students reach their potential, whilst avoiding being scuppered by the ever-changing political landscape. 

What drives me is how Further Education Colleges are a catalyst for social mobility. I was lucky enough to be in private education for all of my schooling and I had the familiar support and cultural capital which made for a very smooth transition into skilled employment. But I am very conscious that there are many people who do not get these same opportunities. 

It may have taken me over a decade, but I think I have finally found what I want to be when I grow up!

Henry Taylor-Toone, OH 2005-07