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/ Scene & Herd / Winter 2010/2011 - LATEST

In Principal

I was somewhat surprised in June 1992 to be offered the post as Principal of Moulton College. At interview I had made it clear that the College stood little chance of survival as an independent institution without radical change to every aspect of its operations. Most Colleges would have rejected such a challenge, but the Moulton Governors offered me the post – and so my '3 year' commitment began!

Eighteen and a half years later, almost all of those changes are long forgotten; but due to the dedication of successive governors and staff, Moulton is now both the largest independent land-based College in the UK and one of the most successful. As I pass the mantle to my successor and move on to pastures new, there is an air of confidence that the College is strong enough not only to withstand the current fiscal climate, but to continue to grow and to make a substantial contribution to the rural economy.

Full-time student numbers have exceeded 3000 for the first time this year and the number of higher education students in particular has grown significantly. Boosted by additional places secured under the Higher Education Funding Council's 'modernisation' fund, there are now over 800 learners following undergraduate and post-graduate programmes at the College. These courses lead to a higher diploma or degree awarded by the University of Northampton and, like our other programmes, place heavy emphasis upon the development of those skills that prepare graduates for real employment opportunities.

2011 will be one of the most exciting in the College's 90 year history; not only will the new Welfare and Social Centre will be completed in time for the start of the next academic year but also the Sports Injury and Rehabilitation Centre, which includes a 25 metre swimming pool, will open towards the end of the calendar year. We are delighted that local orthopaedic consultant, Prof. Bill Ribbans, has accepted the appointment as Hon. Medical Director for the Centre; I am confident that his advice and guidance will prove invaluable to the College over the coming years.

Just this week a contract has been let for the construction of a new Countryside Management Centre at South Lodge. This project has been made possible through a generous donation by the Wilson Foundation that was boosted by HEFCE matched gift funding.

At Easter the refurbishment of Stewart and Thomas Harrison houses will begin, and in August a new registry and College reception will be developed on the site of the former welfare centre.

By 2013, the redevelopment of the Moulton campus should hopefully be complete – and, unlike many other Colleges, with minimal reliance upon public capital funding!

In conclusion, my sincere thanks to the many staff, governors and friends of the College, who have provided so much support, guidance and more than a little challenge during my time at Moulton.

I wish everyone associated with the College and in particular my successor, Steve Davies, every success in the future.

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