​Helen Leslie is Vice Principal for Learning, Skills and Student Success, bringing extensive experience in educational leadership, quality enhancement, and curriculum development.  Helen joined West College Scotland on 3rd August 2026.

Helen graduated in 2005 with a BEng (Hons) in Civil and Transportation Engineering from Edinburgh Napier University and began her professional career as a site based Civil Engineer before moving into further education. She joined the college sector in 2013 at West Lothian College, where she developed a strong reputation for driving improvement, supporting learner success, and leading strategic initiatives that enhanced the student experience.

In 2018, Helen moved to Forth Valley College as Head of Learning and Quality, where she led quality enhancement, continuous improvement and creative learning initiatives and activities across the institution. This led to her appointment as Director of Curriculum of a broad portfolio, with responsibility for the strategic leadership of curriculum planning, delivery, and ensuring high-quality learning experiences that met the needs of learners, employers, and communities.

Helen has also contributed to the wider education sector through her work as an Associate Assessor with Education Scotland, supporting external quality review and enhancement activities. More recently, she has joined QAA as a Reviewer, working with institutions to uphold and enhance academic quality and standards across the tertiary education sector.

As Vice Principal, Helen provides strategic leadership for learning, teaching, skills development, and student success. She is passionate about widening access and improving outcomes for learners. Known for her collaborative and people-centred approach, she works closely with staff, students, employers, and partners to ensure education remains responsive to the needs of individuals, communities, and the economy.