A new principal will be joining City College Brighton and Hove when Phil Frier retires at the end of August.

Lynn Thackway is currently vice principal of the Barnfield Federation in Luton and is “delighted” by the appointment.

“The college has seen rapid improvements under the current principal and I intend to continue the work achieved so far in placing City College at the forefront of learning for young people, adults and businesses,” Ms Thackway said.

She started her career as a Maths teacher and worked in Colleges in Newcastle and Sheffield before moving south.

The current principal Mr Frier said: “Barnfield has a national reputation for innovation and working with its local communities, so I know Lynn will be engaging with the city to make a real difference to people’s lives’.

Robin Morley, the chair of the College’s Governing Body, which appointed Ms Thackway, said: “I am delighted that the Board of Corporation unanimously voted to appoint Lynn Thackway as the new chief executive and principal of City College following Phil’s retirement.”