Wolverhampton College head leaving to join South Staffordshire College
The head of Wolverhampton College is moving to South Staffordshire College after its principal announced he was stepping down.
Graham Morley is leaving South Staffordshire College after 10 years at the helm.
He will be replaced as chief executive principal by Claire Boliver, who is currently principal at Wolverhampton College.
Mrs Boliver will start her new role on March 1, and said her vision for the college is to give learners 'careers not courses'.
There is no suggestion of the two colleges merging and Wolverhampton will begin its search for a new principal in due course.
Departing principal Mr Morley said: “I am immensely proud of all the successes and achievements of the staff.
"The board of governors has chosen an exceptional leader in Claire.
"Her first-hand knowledge of the community and track record of delivering success places her in the strongest position, and I wish her, the college, and its learners every success in the future.”
Mrs Boliver is familiar with the college, having begun her further education career there on a teaching placement.
She worked her way up to become director of curriculum before moving to Wolverhampton College where, after just two years, she became the principal.
One of her first moves will be to re-launch a curriculum review to ensure the courses on offer align to the needs of the economy and community to enable learners to build successful careers.
Mrs Boliver said: “As a college we need to be responsive and flexible to the needs of the economy and community we serve in our campuses in Lichfield, Tamworth and Rodbaston and indeed across the whole of South Staffordshire.
"I’ve spoken before about the need for further education to offer ‘careers not courses’ and this is the mind-set I wanted to bring into the college.
"As chairman of governors Steve Burgin brings with him a wealth of experience we fear no limitations as we look to enhance our employer partnerships.”
In November Mr Burgin was appointed chairman of governors who brings with him years of experience after an illustrious career in engineering.
He said: “Graham is leaving the college in a very strong and healthy financial position.
"Last year saw a record 11 per cent increase in intakes, which demonstrates this is the college of choice for learners across Staffordshire.
"Graham pioneered partnerships with industry, culminating in the £5.4m investment in the AgriSTEM Academy, which offers state of the art facilities that match the employment needs of the local economy.
"Looking forward, with Claire at the helm I’m very keen to build on our existing employer partnerships and explore new sectors to give our learners the best start in their careers.”
