I’ve got a good track record, but only in one particular area of the capital.”Still, Bullough was asked to move from London North and, later this year, will combine her regional post with that of executive director of London Central LSC, whose area covers seven boroughs and which has about twice the budget “Maybe I’m in a bit of a comfort zone [in north London]. Given that Henderson is nearly 30 years older, there is bound to be speculation that Bullough is being groomed to take on the top job. “People are looking at my performance very closely,” she says “I have a lot to prove, which is the way that it should be. “Many LSCs have been very parochial in their outlook,” he adds.At regional level, Bullough’s title is operations director – in effect, number two to Jacqui Henderson, the new director for London.

“It would be wonderful to do something that used a different part of my brain.”The LSC’s new regional structure has generally been well received. John Brennan, the chief executive of the Association of Colleges, says it reflects the fact that colleges offer learning to regional and even national markets. “I started grade three, but I could not keep awake in the classes. I was working such long days.” But what would she like to learn now if she had more time? “I wish I had some practical DIY skills,” she responds.

Her interests include climbing and hill-walking, but she has not been a learner for more than 10 years, when she gained a grade two certificate in Turkish. To increase awareness, its offices include a careers centre where people can drop in to find out about learning opportunities.Bullough speaks to some college principals almost daily, and others perhaps once a week. Tackling these issues creates an opportunity for the LSC’s profile to be raised.”Bullough accepts that, like other LSCs, London North has some way to go before it is as well known as the four boroughs it covers. Her day’s work may include talking to a college principal about a capital project or liaising with business leaders.Asked to name her most satisfying achievement since 2001, she points to controversial proposals to close four school sixth-forms in Haringey and open a new sixth-form centre. The fact that the plan angered some parents does not faze her At least more people in Haringey are now aware of the LSC “In my opinion, the LSC was set up to do interesting things.