Di Gowland Announces Retirement and Names New Principal & CEO

Newham College Group Principal & Chief Executive Di Gowland has announced she is to retire at the end of the academic year after discussions with the Corporation Chair. Since starting in July 2014, Di has transformed Newham College, leading it through a highly successful Ofsted inspection and turning round the organisation’s financial situation..

Di has assured College staff that it was a difficult decision to retire from such a brilliant college and has thanked them for their help and support in contributing to the success of the College during her tenure as Principal and CEO.

Paul Stephen has been appointed as Newham College Group’s Principal and Chief Executive Officer. Over the last 6 years he has been responsible for transforming the estate and finances of both City and Islington and Westminster Kingsway colleges to support curriculum diversification and expansion. He is also a trustee of Youth United Foundation, which over the last four years has supported the creation of local youth organisations involving nearly 8,000 adult volunteers and 42,000 young people in deprived community areas.

Di commented:

‘I am delighted that Paul will be taking over as Principal and CEO of the College. His vision, knowledge and people skills are exactly what the College needs to drive it forward at this exciting time in east London.’

Paul commented:

“Newham College has always stood for the very best in further education, with a distinctive mission, strategy and ambition that really sets it apart. I am thrilled to be joining the College and look forward to working with staff, students and stakeholders to deliver on our ambitious plans.”

Andrew Clark, Chair of the Newham College Corporation Board said: “We are delighted that Paul is joining the College. His experience, skills and knowledge gained from working in both the public and private sector will ensure that Newham College goes from strength to strength towards achieving its ambitious strategy of being an outstanding provider of skills and education to our local community.”

About Newham College: Newham College is one of the UK’s leading further education colleges, based on two campuses in the dynamic and diverse heart of east London. It has invested millions of pounds in creating world-class facilities with the aim of achieving the best standards of academic and vocational training. The College also delivers more apprenticeships than any other London further education college and it has recently established Centres of Excellence in Fashion and Tailoring and Vocational ESOL. All sections of the community are encouraged to study at Newham College and applicants are offered places to match their needs and aspirations. Students can enrol at entry level, progress to higher level vocational courses and enrol for higher education qualifications at Newham College University Centre.