THE Isle of Wight College is looking to recruit a new leader following the announcement by its principal, Debbie Lavin, to retire this year.

Mrs Lavin said: “I have enjoyed every minute of my time as principal and feel privileged to have worked alongside so many dedicated, talented and enthusiastic colleagues since I took up the post in January 2004.

"With so many exciting projects in the pipeline, I feel that now is the right time to hand over the baton to someone who will take the College forward with the energy and enthusiasm that the students, the staff and the island community deserve”.

Dr Nick England, chair of governors, said: “Naturally, we shall all be very sorry to see Debbie leave.

"The Isle of Wight community has benefited immeasurably from Debbie’s 18 years of inspirational leadership; she leaves the college at a time when our achievements and reputation have never been better.

"We are immensely grateful, and we wish Debbie and her family well for the future”.

Isle of Wight MP, Bob Seely, said: “I want to thank Debbie Lavin very much for her leadership of the IW College for 18 years. 

"I have found Debbie to be dedicated, highly competent and driven by the desire to make sure the College offers the best education it can for everyone that uses it.

"Her legacy will be in the millions of pounds of funding she has secured to ensure that the College continues to grow and improve.”

The college has recently been successful in securing several government-funded initiatives, and the main campus in Newport will soon undergo a transformation to provide new, industry-standard teaching and learning facilities for students and apprentices.

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