IT’S all change at the top for Warwickshire College Group.
Sara-Jane Watkins has been appointed as new CEO and principal for WCG, which includes Warwick Trident College, Leamington College, Moreton Morrell College, Rugby College, Pershore College and New Evesham College.
She will take over the reins in September.
Sara-Jane is currently serving as college principal at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College and has held the position since 2015, also operating as deputy chief executive of the SGS Group, which includes SGS Academy Trust, SGS Commercial Service and the college.
During her tenure at the college, she has achieved significant growth in 16 to 18-year-olds learner numbers from 1,300 to more than 4,000, played a key role in developing the apprenticeship programme to 1,500 apprentices and expanding its provision for 14 to 16-year-olds.
She has also chaired the Department for Education Development Fund for Gloucestershire, helping to secure £5 million for developing low carbon training resources.
She said: “I am honoured and excited to be stepping into this role. With over 20 years of experience in further education and five years at a land-based college, I bring a deep commitment to advancing the educational opportunities for both our rural and urban communities.
“My dedication to education has always been driven by the belief that every student deserves access to high-quality learning experiences, and I am eager to continue this mission at WCG.”
Peter Husband has been interim CEO and principal for the last six months, taking over from Angela Joyce.
