Weston College Appoints Jacqui Ford as Acting Principal and Chief Executive
The Board of Governors at Weston College is pleased to announce the appointment of Jacqui Ford as the new Acting Principal and Chief Executive, effective from September 1st, 2023. This appointment follows the exceptional leadership and legacy of Sir Paul Phillips CBE, who has steered the institution towards remarkable achievements over the past 22 years and who retires at the end of August 2023.
Jacqui Ford is a former recent Deputy Principal of Weston College and many in the Weston College community are familiar with Jacqui's dynamic leadership, which contributed significantly to the advancement of Adult Education, Partnerships, and the SEND curriculum during her tenure as Deputy Principal. With nearly two decades of collaboration alongside Sir Paul Phillips, and a wide remit of experience across many different curriculum areas, Jacqui embodies the same ethos and approach that has defined Weston College’s success, instilling a sense of confidence in the path that lies ahead.
The Governors have also worked collaboratively with the senior Weston College team to establish a robust acting management structure that builds upon strength from within the institution to support Jacqui in her new role. The guidance of Sir Paul has been instrumental in shaping this new management framework.
Since 2001, Weston College has thrived under the visionary leadership of Sir Paul Phillips CBE. The College has witnessed unprecedented growth, from a turnover of £8 million to an impressive £75 million, all achieved without mergers. Situated in the heart of Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset, Weston College stands as a beacon of excellence, offering education and vocational training to over 30,000 learners throughout the South West. This includes a diverse range of higher education courses through University Centre Weston, more than 50 distinct apprenticeships spanning from intermediate to degree level, and a robust presence in prisons across the South West region.
The Chair of the Governing Body reflected on the transformative impact of Sir Paul Phillips CBE's leadership, stating, "It has been a true honour to have had Sir Paul lead us as our Principal and Chief Executive. Under his guidance, Weston College has not only achieved 'Outstanding' status but has also garnered numerous prestigious awards and accolades that underscore its commitment to excellence. It is rare to see a college with both outstanding curriculum and finances.”
The Board of Governors wishes to express its pride in Weston College's continued expansion and articulates its optimism for the future. "With the announcement of Jacqui as our new Acting Principal and our exceptional staff, we are confident that we will continue to chart a course that focusses on our learners, employees, and the exciting skills agenda ahead.”
Weston College looks forward to embracing this new chapter under Jacqui Ford's leadership, honouring the legacy of Sir Paul Phillips CBE, and advancing its mission of providing excellence in education and vocational training by continuing to create brighter futures.
If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.
