Nicola Tumber

Nicola Tumber is Deputy Principal at EKC Broadstairs College. Nicola oversees the strategic development of the College’s provision, working with Curriculum Heads to ensure the offer meets local, regional and national skills needs.

Nicola firmly believes in the importance of the educational journey that every student takes. She feels that with high teaching standards, enrichment opportunities and dedicated pastoral care, each student has the tools they need to progress and be the best person they can be within the local community. Her overriding philosophy is that every person can make a difference in whatever they choose to do and in whatever field their passion lies. 

Nicola started her career in early years education after completing her Childhood Studies Diploma at Canterbury College. By the age of 21, Nicola had started her journey into management, becoming the manager of a Thanet-based nursery. By 24, Nicola was a regional manager for a large national nursery chain. This position gave her the chance to travel across the country, developing the quality of education and care in nurseries and managing the business operations for a cluster of nurseries within the company. During this time she successfully completed an Early Years Education degree.

In 2009, Nicola started a family and soon decided that a job with less travel would offer a better work–life balance. After a spell at a children’s centre in Ashford, she realised that her passion lied with teaching and in 2013 she applied for a job at the College as an early years lecturer.

During her time at the College, Nicola helped to design and set up the on-site nursery and became a freelance Ofsted inspector for early years, alongside her teaching role. Nicola subsequently progressed to Programme Director, before being made Head of Early Years and Health and Social Care, and later joined the Senior Leadership Team, in 2019. 

Nicola left Broadstairs to join EKC Ashford College as Deputy Principal in November 2020. She overcame unforeseen challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and worked to resolve unprecedented issues to ensure the College’s high standards were met. She returned to EKC Broadstairs College in June 2022 to take on her current role as Deputy Principal. 

Nicola has always lived in Thanet and enjoys a busy family life with her two boys and partner, Mark, who is in the construction trade.