Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT) principal Anthony Bravo retired on Monday (Febuary 9), leaving the college under interim leadership in the middle of the academic year.
The college said Bravo, 63, has stepped down “to focus on his charitable activities” with the role of acting principal filled by deputy principal for curriculum, performance and innovation Lorraine Heath.
BCoT praised its former principal of 16 years for leading on a widespread use of technology in teaching and overseeing the opening of green and creative skills facilities.
However, the college did not include any comment from Bravo. FE Week has attempted to contact him directly.
Mike Howe, the college’s chair of governors, said Bravo’s leadership helped to develop a “happy, purposeful culture”, guided BCoT’s “excellent” estate investment and the highest FE college success rates in Hampshire.
He added: “Anthony has worked consistently well with governors, developed strong teams and led on national initiatives such as AI.
“He leaves with our sincere thanks, and we wish him a long, happy and healthy retirement.
“Lorraine Heath, who has served as deputy principal for over six years, has extensive experience and a deep understanding of the college, which will ensure continuity and stability during this period of transition.”
According to Bravo’s now deleted profile on BCoT’s website, he was appointed principal in 2009 after around 15 years in further education, including the now-closed Crossways Sixth Form in Lewisham.
He was awarded an OBE for services to further education in 2024 and holds board member roles at education technology charity Jisc and Ufi VocTech Trust.
He is also a director at the Association of Colleges and West Berkshire Training Consortium.
BCoT was judged ‘good’ by Ofsted in 2023. The college employs around 430 people and teaches almost 5,000 students, according to its latest financial statements for 2024-25 which show ‘outstanding’ financial health.
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