Ludlow College principal quits before merger

Jonathan Davis has announced that he is to leave his position in order to pursue other interests.

Mr Davis has been heavily involved in preparing Ludlow College for a merger with Herefordshire College of Technology which will take place on August 1.

He said he was proud of his achievements during his three years at the helm.

"I have really enjoyed my time as principal of Ludlow College and am proud of what has been achieved over the last three years," he said.

"The college is well placed to grow and develop and I am convinced that students and staff have a bright future ahead."

Mr Davis was today praised by the college's chairman of governors, Dr Ewart Caron.

He said: "Jonathan has made a very significant contribution to Ludlow College, securing substantial capital investment and improving learners' achievements and their college experience.

"He has also overseen the merger process, facilitating the handover to the senior team at HCT. Jonathan is very well placed to use his extensive experience and expertise to the benefit of the wider further education sector."

The two colleges will be renamed Herefordshire and Ludlow College in a move which education officials have claimed will secure post-16 education in the south of the county.

With just 450 full-time 16 to 19-year-old students, Ludlow College is the smallest sixth-form college in Britain, making it a struggle to pull in Government funding.

The merger could mean more teachers are taken on with full-time contracts and the number of students is expected to rise.

About £2 million is expected to be invested into Ludlow College over the next few years.