Principal of troubled college is ‘released’
THE principal of a troubled college has been ‘released’ from his position, according to a shock announcement made last week.
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’.
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.’
Following the announcement Dr Mike Potter CBE took over from Simon Andrews as transition principal and chief executive at the college on Monday (March 20).
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.”
Stockport College has struggled with financial problems for a number of years and a plan has been mooted to merge it with Trafford College, but it is unclear where this is up to.
Stockport MP Ann Coffey said she would be ‘going to see the new principal as a matter of urgency.’
“I think the young people of Stockport deserve better. If the debts can be cleared and the merger with Trafford College can go ahead I am hopeful that the college can provide a better standard of education in the future,” she added.
A spokesperson for the University and College Union, which represents teaching staff at the college, said: “The challenges face by Stockport College have been exacerbated by government funding cuts and job losses among teaching staff, which have led to reduced opportunities for learners and increased workloads for remaining staff.
“We hope that the proposed merger with Trafford College will offer more stability for staff and students in the future.”