Nicola Walker is the Head of Fashion and Textiles at Esher Sixth Form College. Nicky came to Esher as a Fashion and Textiles Technician in 2015 and was encouraged to complete her PGCE. Nicky became Head of Department in 2021.

Textiles have been in my family for many generations. I was actually born in Bangladesh where my father was working in the jute industry. We returned to the UK when I was very young and I grew up by the sea in St. Andrews, Fife. On finishing school, I headed south and completed my Fashion and Textiles degree in Brighton, specialising in printed textiles.

I spent 20 years in the industry as a Childrenswear designer for some well-known high street brands. Wanting to try something new, I came to Esher as a Fashion and Textiles Technician in 2015 and was encouraged to complete my PGCE, which I did part-time over two years. On completion, I secured a teaching role and became Head of Department in 2021.

Interested in studying Fashion and Textiles A Level at Esher Sixth Form College? Visit our course page.

Why have you chosen to work in a sixth form college?

I love working with 16-18 year olds. I feel that my skills and experience can really benefit them at A Level. They learn so quickly and progress enormously over the two years and it is wonderful to support them in bringing their ideas to life.

What achievement are you most proud of?

I hate to be obvious but it’s my kids, both of whom went to Esher Sixth Form College!

Or perhaps, on my first work trip to Paris, seeing one of my designs that I sold at my degree show made up into a knitwear piece in the window of Benetton!

What inspired you to have a career in fashion?

I was happiest in the Art and Fashion rooms at school. I always drew, made clothes and experimented with what I wore. My sister had studied Textiles and it was just natural to follow a path where I felt confident and comfortable.

What inspired you to become a teacher?

My old Head of Department, Sheila MacDonald, and my Divisional Director, Linda Chimel, completely supported and encouraged me, which is the ethos at Esher Sixth Form College. It was a wonderful course to complete my teaching practice. My aim is to continue the standard set and run a credible course that inspires curiosity, builds many skills, and prepares students if they want to move onto Foundation or Degree courses and continue into the creative industries.

What has surprised you most about the fashion industry?

Through the jobs I had, it was the opportunity I had to travel and see exciting parts of the world, both for research and to visit factories. It’s a very old industry that survives, it reinvents itself and is always looking for newness.

What words of wisdom would you give your 16 year old self?

Always ask questions and take every opportunity that comes your way. Work experience is so valuable – my degree had a year in industry where I experienced three different roles in New York and London. This allowed me to understand what I wanted to do and the roles I didn’t want to pursue.

If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be?

If I wasn’t a teacher, I would have liked to have been a landscape architect, designing places for people to relax and enjoy.