Michele Sutton to become next AoC president

The Association of Colleges (AoC) has announced that Bradford College principal Michele Sutton will be its next president.

Sutton will replace Maggie Galliers this August to begin her one year in the role.

She said: “I am delighted to have been elected and look forward to taking up the post as the sixth AoC President in August. I’m passionate about the value that further education colleges – whatever their size or type – bring to individuals, communities, business and the wider economy.

“We have to continually develop the college offer and I’m looking forward to building on the work of previous presidents in vigorously promoting the sector, representing it to Government and agencies, and communicating member issues and policy priorities back into AoC.”

Having been at the helm of Bradford College since August 2004, Sutton has also held leadership roles at Hopwood Hall College in Rochdale and City College, Manchester.

AoC chief executive Martin Doel said: “All at AoC look forward to working with Michele as President. Our aim is to ensure all colleges are supported in their efforts to become even more successful and I am certain she will bring great expertise and energy to the role.”

Natalie Thornhill