Former pupil named new college principal

A FORMER student at the Wilberforce Sixth Form College in East Hull has been appointed its new principal, having worked his way up through a career in education.

Colin Peaks, previously the college’s deputy principal, is to take over the top job from David Cooper this summer. His goal for coming terms, he said, is build on the college’s encouraging Ofsted report earlier this year, in which it narrowly missed out on an ‘Outstanding’ grade.

“I came in as part of David’s new management team at Wilberforce in 2012, and together we took the college on a journey of self-improvement which has seen the college achieve its best result year on year,” he said. “It’s now up to me to continue that journey and secure top results for our students to achieve the Outstanding grade that our staff and students deserve.” With 15 years of experience in secondary-school teaching, Mr Peaks says, he is proud of the college’s record. And, he adds, he is keen to build on the college’s standing in the local community. He added: “We do all we can to move students on to positive destinations. “Even back when I studied here, the college had strong links to the local area. My vision for Wilberforce is that it continues to serve the needs of the local community and its surrounding areas. “It’s always been my ethos to do the best for every student, no matter what their background, ability or life experiences.”