Ofsted role for Shrewsbury Sixth Form College principal
The principal of Shrewsbury Sixth Form College is leaving to become an inspector with Ofsted.
Martin Ward will take up his new role at the schools and colleges regulator 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 while leading the college. He joined the college from King Edward VI College in Nuneaton in 2008 and has seen through some significant changes. They included increased numbers of students and curriculum changes, including the introduction of international students, to better 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 colleges' English Bridge campus. He has also been key to the merger proposals between Shrewsbury College and Shrewsbury Sixth Form College.
Chris Fountain, chairman of governors, for Shrewsbury Sixth Form College said: "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 the college 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. His 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 he 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, headteacher at Mary Webb and current chairman of Shrewsbury Partnership in Education and Training, said: "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."
