WEYMOUTH College boss Nigel Evans says it's the 'right time to pass the baton over' after his successor was announced.

The college has appointed Julia Howe as principal and chief executive.

She is currently interim principal and takes up her new role in September.

Mr Evans, who has 40 years in education including leading the college for nearly seven years, stepped back from the role of principal earlier this year but has continued to hold responsibility for learning and welfare as chief executive.

In a phased approach to his retirement, he will be finishing at the end of the year.

In a letter to students Mr Evans said: "The college has been on an incredibly tough, challenging but hugely positive journey over the last few years and my legacy is to ensure that it continues to do exactly that – you, your parents/carers, employers and the community deserve to have a good college."

Ms Howe has worked in further education for more than 32 years. Joining Weymouth College in 2014, she has a wealth of experience in key college roles and is said to have a 'tenacious commitment' to partnership working.

She said: “I firmly believe Weymouth College should be at the heart of the Weymouth and Portland communities - delivering excellence in both education and training and actively improving career opportunities whilst supporting the recovery and growth of our local economy.

"I very much look forward to continuing to work with the whole team at Weymouth College as we move ahead together making that positive difference to the lives of our students and our local communities. I am excited and honoured to lead the college through the next stage in its journey.”

Since Mr Evans has been at the helm, the college has made significant strides forward. In late 2015 it was said by Ofsted to be a Good college – a recognition which was cemented with the award of a further Good rating in 2020.

Mr Evans said: “Whilst I am extremely sorry to be leaving Weymouth College and the fantastic staff and students, I do feel that this is the right time to pass the baton over and I am delighted that Julia Howe, a very experienced and effective member of the senior leadership team has been appointed.

"For me, retirement beckons, however, I wish everyone at the college the very best and thank them for their heartfelt support and friendship over the past few years.”

College chairman Richard Noah said: “The board is looking forward to working with Julia to take the college forward and build upon all that Nigel Evans has been able to achieve in recent years."