Toni takes the reins as new college head

Education Partnership North East has announced the appointment of Toni Rhodes as the new Principal of Sunderland College and Hartlepool Sixth Form.

With more than 10 years of experience working in education, she has held several senior curriculum and quality positions at Ofsted outstanding colleges – overseeing further education, higher education and apprenticeships.

Toni joins Education Partnership North East from Barnsley College, where she is currently Vice Principal of Quality and Access to Learning.

Prior to this, Toni was Vice Principal with the TEC Partnership, which includes Grimsby Institute and Scarborough TEC.

She has a Masters degree in Globalising Justice, holds a Chartered Management Institute Level 8 in Strategic Direction and Leadership and is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (now Advance HE).

Toni said: “I feel extremely privileged to be joining a great college that has a reputation for cultural excellence and I am looking forward to meeting staff during the interim period, and many more from the summer onwards.

“These are difficult times, but I’m looking forward to the journey as we strive to deliver excellence for our learners.”

Ellen Thinnesen, chief executive of Education Partnership North East, said: “Having previously worked with Toni, I know she will add real value to our college, curriculum strategy and, ultimately, the progress and achievement of our students."