Meet Our New Head of UCJ

“You can be supporting a student with their loan application one minute, and the next you’re on a call with the mayor. That’s what I love about College HE, it’s seeing the difference you make at every level.” – Gabe Manthorp, Head of University College Jersey

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Gabriel (Gabe) Manthorp joins as the new Head of University College Jersey with an impressive track record in higher education and a passion for people.

Gabe started his teaching career at Peterborough College, where he quickly progressed into leadership roles, eventually becoming Assistant Principal at United Colleges Group in London. He’s also a Quality and Standards Assessor for the Office for Students, a Reviewer for the QAA, and sits on national advisory groups for UCAS, Pearson, and the Association of Colleges. Despite an impressive CV, Gabe’s down-to-earth nature is what you notice first.

“I’ve always loved colleges – the people are my kind of people. Whether it’s performing arts or motor vehicle, you’re working with passionate, hands-on professionals.”

When asked about one of his proudest professional achievements, Gabe shared his experience of setting up a higher education programme based in a working theatre. “Students trained in a live theatre, performed there, and even got first dibs on jobs, not just performing, but everything from tech to front-of-house. “That year, every student graduated with a good degree, and I won an award for outstanding student support.”

After training at drama school and working in the performing arts, Gabe’s transition into education felt natural. “I studied European Theatre and did a Master’s in scriptwriting – one of my plays was produced across Europe.”

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His passion for teaching was sparked early on, and with education running in the family – his mum was a primary school teacher, his dad taught in colleges and universities, and his brother works in HE (oh and if that wasn’t enough, two grandparents who were principals!) – it was almost inevitable.

While Gabe grew up in a small village on the outskirts of the Yorkshire Dales, his family background spans continents. His dad grew up in the Pakistani Himalayas; his mum is from Watford. “I spent my whole childhood living in the same house. Then I moved down to London, but my family are from all over the place. “Growing up, we were always all over the country visiting family. So, I was really comfortable travelling and being in different places.

“When I was a kid, my dad was commissioned to have an exhibition at Mont Orgueil, where he had carvings on display for many years. I don’t know if they’re still there – it was one of the first places I drove to see if they were, but I couldn’t get in because it was too early! I’ll be going back to see if they are, or to try and locate them if they’re not.”

His partner runs a musical theatre school in London, so theatre is still very much part of his life. His favourite musical? Cabaret, especially the recent West End production: “We’ve seen it loads – my partner’s best friend was cast as the lead!”

When asked “why Jersey?” Gabe said: “I’d obviously heard that Jersey is amazing from anyone who has ever been, particularly from two friends I played cricket with when I was younger, who live there now. “So, I’ve always had Jersey in the periphery of my social media, incredible pictures of how beautiful it is. “We came over for the interview and just fell in love. I texted my partner the minute I landed – ‘It’s absolutely unbelievable here.’ We swam in the sea every day, explored the coast, and I just knew this was the place for us.”

Gabe and his family, including two young children, two rescue dogs: Munch the pug and Latte the Yorkshire Terrier, along with cat Burton – are looking forward to embracing island life. “We’ve always lived so far from the coast, so being by the sea is a dream.”

Gabe’s looking forward to saying ‘hello’ at Graduation and meeting colleagues when he gets started in the role. “Having interviewed me twice, Jo and Kate will be sick of hearing me say I’m a people person, but I am. I cannot wait to meet everyone, so please do come and have a chat – whether it’s about education, theatre, sport, or just the dogs!”