Nigel Evans, who has been interim Principal of Weymouth College since November 2014, will take up the post with immediate effect.
He was selected by the board of governors to lead the college, which was rated ‘good’ by Ofsted in November 2015, after a national recruitment and selection process. The Chair of Governors, David Fallows confirmed that following a robust selection procedure involving several strong candidates, Mr Evans appointment had been by unanimous decision.
“We have worked alongside Nigel throughout the 15 months since he was appointed acting principal and have witnessed first-hand the leadership, drive and commitment Nigel has shown to successfully overcome the well-documented problems the college has experienced. We can now move forward positively and confidently into 2016 and are immensely pleased Nigel will be at the helm”
Richard Drax MP said: “I am genuinely delighted that Nigel Evans has been appointed as the new Principal for Weymouth College. Having worked with him, and his supportive team, for some time now, I saw first-hand how Mr Evans led the College through challenging times recently. His calm demeanour and ability to keep a team together during this phase, while looking after all the students, proved he is the man for the job. It’s all too easy to shine when everything is running smoothly, but the real test comes when they don’t, and Mr Evans passed that test with flying colours. The College can now move forward with confidence, fulfilling its vital educational role for the many thousands of young people who rely on this opportunity to aspire and pursue challenging and satisfying careers.”
Mr Evans said he was extremely pleased to accept the appointment:
“I am absolutely delighted to have been given this opportunity by the Corporation, I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenges over the last 15 months and feel privileged to be able to lead the College into its bright new future” he continued to say “It is my strong view that although we are Weymouth College, we are Weymouth’s College, Portland’s College and actually Dorset’s College, and we are committed to meeting the needs of students, parents, employers and all local stakeholders to strengthen the future of the Dorset economy”
Since being appointed as interim Principal, Nigel has led the College through the Structure and Prospects Appraisal process, out of administered status and to a ‘Good’ Ofsted grade across the board. The College is still one of the highest performing Colleges under the new Ofsted framework.
Mr Evans brings over 35 years of working in the Further Education sector including some 20 years of teaching A-level Biology and Chemistry and 15 years in a variety of senior management positions. He can also be found playing the piano as part of the Academy Jazz Trio who are the resident band at the College’s Hix Academy Training restaurant.
