Steve Warburton has been appointed as principal of the Greater Peterborough University Technical College (GPUTC), which is due to open in September 2016.

Mr Warburton, who has been involved in the GPUTC project for the last year and was already interim principal, brings more than 30 years of senior leadership and teaching experience.

He was headteacher of nearby Hereward Community College and was previously director of education at Thomas Deacon Academy and assistant principal and director of sixth form at Sawtry Community College.

For the last six years Mr Warburton has been a consultant specialising in educational technology and school improvement, latterly working for Novatia plc.

The new £10m UTC GPUTC will specialise in engineering and the built environment, with an emphasis on sustainability and new technologies.

Mr Warburton said the “fusion” between academic and practical, technical learning is what drew him to the job.

He said: “UTCs are small schools and I greatly value the opportunities that offers to focus on individual students.

“Integrating 40 employer challenge projects across the years and specialisms is an exciting aspect of what we are doing, as well as capitalising on my educational technology experience to ensure that our students and staff successfully utilise its potential.”

Mr Warburton has a degree in modern history from Oxford University and an MBA in educational management from Leicester University.

Meanwhile, Ivan Jepson is the new business development director at Gateshead College.

A spokesperson said the college hopes the appointment would further strengthen its links with the North East business community.

Mr Jepson brings almost 25 years of industry and private sector experience to the role.

He joins from Northumbrian Water, where he has spent most of his working career in various roles from laboratory scientist to customer service to public affairs.

“It was a difficult decision to leave a great employer but Gateshead College offered a real challenge and opportunity to make a difference to both regional employers young people and those working or looking for work in our region,” said Mr Jepson.

“Gateshead College is keen to strengthen and extend its already great connections with business, highlighting its flexible approach and attitude.

“My role is to help regional employers meet the skills challenges they face, helping provide them with young people with real employment edge.”

Gateshead College principal Judith Doyle said: “When we saw an opportunity to recruit, we recognised that Ivan, who has an understanding of the FE sector and the broader regional political landscape, could bring real value to the college and its management team.

“More importantly, we think Ivan’s close understanding of business and his considerable network of contacts will also be of invaluable benefit to employers we work with.”

It has also been confirmed that Ofqual chair Amanda Spielman will act as chief regulator on an interim basis after the departure of Glenys Stacey.

The former merchant banker and strategy consultant-turned education professional took up the post on Tuesday and will serve until a permanent replacement for Ms Stacey is found by the Department for Education.

Ms Stacey, who has led the regulator for five years, announced in August that she would stand down at the end of February.

Ms Spielman has been chair of Ofqual since 2011.

The regulator said the next chief regulator would be announced “in due course”.

 

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