Governors at 7,000-learner Stockport College have announced that Simon Andrews is to join them as their new principal.

He is currently in charge at 5,700-learner Macclesfield College and is due to join Stockport, which recently improved from an Ofsted grade four to three rating under interim principal Ian Clinton, in April.

Mr Andrews became Macclesfield principal in April 2012, at which point it was rated as inadequate by Ofsted. Just over a year after he had been in post it achieved a ‘good’ Ofsted rating.

“I am delighted to be joining Stockport College and am looking forward to the challenge of working with students and staff to continue on the improvements already made,” he said.

He added: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Macclesfield and will miss the warmth and friendliness of colleagues here. I recognise that behind every successful institution is a first class workforce and it’s the quality of the staff at Macclesfield that makes the difference.”

Stockport governors’ chair Louise Richardson said: “Simon comes with an excellent track record in leading college improvement. His experience will be invaluable.”

She added: “I would like to take this opportunity also to put on record our thanks to Ian Clinton, for his strong and visible leadership since February that has resulted in our improvements so far and am very pleased that he will be staying with us until Simon is able to join us, to achieve a smooth transition.”

Anne Thomson, Macclesfield College corporation chair, said: “I want to extend my thanks to Simon, on behalf of the governing body, for his hard work and service over the last five years.

“Simon was first appointed to the role of our deputy principal and then moved on to acting principal in April 2012 and, finally, principal that summer.

She added: “As a governing body, we wish him every success in his future career.”

Meanwhile, Diane Grannell will be the next principal at Bournemouth & Poole College. She is currently its vice principal for finance and planning.

She is due to take over from current principal Lawrence Vincent in September, following his retirement at the end of the academic year.

Ms Grannell, who has worked at the college since 2006, said: “Dorset is a very special place and this is a unique and exciting opportunity to lead the college.”

She added: “I’m looking forward to continuing to work in close partnership with the other education leaders in the county and beyond, and to continue to forge stronger, effective working links with local employers and our community partners.”

Joy Postings, governors’ chair, said: “The interview process was deliberately rigorous involving our staff, governors, students, employers and key stakeholders from across the region.

She added: “I’m delighted that following such an intensive process we have been able to make an appointment from within.”

And Dr Lynne Sedgmore CBE, executive director of the 157 Group, has been named as one of the UK’s most influential people in the 2015 Debrett’s 500 list.

Dr Sedgmore said: “It is a great honour to be included in such a prestigious list, and I am particularly delighted with the recognition for FE, which is all too often overlooked.”

 

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