Exeter College principal Richard Atkins has announced his retirement from the post at the end of 2015.
The current Association of Colleges president joined Exeter College as its leader in 2002, and last year took it to Ofsted grade one — having already achieved the feat, but in a pilot of the current common inspection framework. The 9,000-learner college had previously been rated as good.
Mr Atkins said: “I have been fortunate enough to work with many wonderful students, great staff and supporting governors, which has made the job a real pleasure.
He added: “I shall miss the college a lot when I go, but it will be business as usual until December.”
The governors of the college, led by chair Philip Bostock, have begun the recruitment process to appoint a new principal.
Meanwhile, Norfolk’s grade two-rated Easton and Otley College has a new principal in David Henley. The former principal of Devon’s Bicton College takes up his new role at the 5,000-learner college this month, succeeding David Lawrence, who stepped down for health reasons earlier this year.
Mr Henley said: “I am privileged to succeed David as principal. As directors of Landex – a national land-based training and education group – David and I have worked together over many years and I have tremendous respect for the commitment he has shown over all the time he has worked in the eastern region.”
Mr Lawrence, principal since May 1993, said: “I have known David for many years and rate him highly. I am very confident that he will continue to build on our collective vision and ethos.”
He added: “It’s been an incredible journey and I will be very sad to leave but I feel it’s the right time to step aside.”
Sally Bendall, chair of governors, said: “I am very pleased to have appointed David Henley as the new principal of Easton and Otley College. His agricultural background and leadership experience made him the ideal choice.”
Vice principal Clive Bound has also announced his retirement after seven years in post. “I would like to publically thank David and Clive for the very significant contributions they have made to the college’s success,” said Ms Bendall.
And Edge Foundation chief executive Jan Hodges OBE is to retire next month after a 35-year career in education. The former South Essex College of Further and Higher Education principal has run Edge for the last four years and will be succeeded by policy and research director David Harbourne until her permanent replacement is appointed.
“It has been a pleasure and privilege to lead Edge over the last four years, working to raise the status of technical, practical and vocational learning,” she said.
“There have been so many highlights. There’s our annual celebration of success, VQ Day, and our sponsorship of The Skills Show, to name just two.”
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