A new challenge for Shrewsbury Sixth Form College Principal

Principal Martin Ward has announced that he will be leaving Shrewsbury Sixth Form College to be part of Her Majesty’s Inspection Team at the schools and colleges regulator Ofsted in September.

Being involved in post 16 education at a national level is nothing new for Martin, who has been Chair of the Quality & Curriculum Committee for the Sixth Form College’s Association whilst leading SSFC. He returned to SSFC from King Edward VI Nuneaton in 2008 and has seen the college through some significant changes – increased numbers of students and curriculum changes including the introduction of international students; increased links and partnerships with other schools including being the Chair of the Initial Teaching Training committee for the Salop Teaching Alliance. He has been Chair of the Shropshire Partnership in Education & Training as well as establishing a curriculum relationship with University Centre Shrewsbury. During his period of leadership he has overseen the development of Wakeman Hall, establishing the college's English Bridge Campus. Latterly, Martin has been key to the merger proposals between Shrewsbury College and Shrewsbury Sixth Form College.

‘It has been a privilege to be part of Shrewsbury Sixth Form College on two separate occasions and each of 8 years! I am very proud of all that the students, staff and governors have achieved, their contributions to the life of Shrewsbury and I am sure that the new college and its students will continue to make their mark on the local, national and international stage.' said Martin

Chris Fountain, Chair of Governors for SSFC commented ‘In working with Martin and his team through challenging circumstances following extensive curriculum and funding changes, it has been evident that he has kept student experience and opportunity at the forefront of all SSFC have done. We are sorry to see him go and wish him well – Ofsted have gained an ‘Outstanding’ inspector!’

Professor Anna Sutton, Provost of University Centre Shrewsbury said: “Martin is a credit to the Sixth Form College and Shrewsbury. Martin’s support in the establishment of University Centre Shrewsbury has been extremely important to us and we have thoroughly enjoyed working with him to identify and develop links between our institutions.

“We are sorry to see him go but Martin leaves behind a strong legacy at the Sixth Form College and in the partnership with University Centre Shrewsbury. He will always receive a warm welcome at University Centre Shrewsbury and we wish him all the best in his new role.”

Andrew Smith – Head Teacher Mary Webb / Current Chair of SPET (Shrewsbury Partnership in Education and Training– ‘Martin has continually encouraged a positive working relationship with local secondary schools which has promoted closer collaboration which has hugely benefitted students moving from secondary to post 16 education. On behalf of all the Shrewsbury secondary school heads I wish him all the best in this new venture.’