College boss leaves after poor report
THE principal of a troubled college has been ‘released’ from his position.
The M.E.N. revealed earlier this week that Stockport College has been deemed to have made ‘insufficient progress’ following its disastrous Ofsted inspection in November last year, in which it was graded ‘inadequate,’ with teaching, achievement and management all criticised.
The report of a follow-up inspection carried out earlier this year slammed teaching and learning as ‘dull and uninspiring,’ and said that ‘improvement to learners’ progress is too slow.’
Inspectors also noted that ‘basic classroom rules are not followed’ and systems to monitor progress are ‘systematically flawed.’
Commenting on the report earlier this week, principal Simon Andrews said: “We are pleased with the ongoing progress and performance made by the college.”
Now, Dr Mike Potter CBE will be taking over from Mr Andrews as transition principal and chief executive at the college from Monday.
A statement issued from Louise Richardson, chair of the Corporation of Stockport College, praised Mr Andrews’ ‘dignity, professionalism and vision through what has been an extremely difficult period for the college.’
She said: “It is with sadness and regret that we have agreed to release our principal Simon Andrews, having made a significant contribution to the overall development and direction of the college.
“He has led the college toward a secure future with advanced merger plans in place and has worked tirelessly with the local authority to deliver a new college building in the town centre.
“The college is now a much better place and we will be very sorry and sad to see him leave.”
She said Dr Potter, who has previously led Wirral Metropolitan College, would be ‘working with key staff and stakeholders to ensure the future of vocational and technical education in the Stockport area.’
Dr Potter said: “I am delighted to be returning to the area, with a clear mandate of working with colleagues to take Stockport College forward and to provide a strong, successful and sustainable future for further and higher education in the area.”