Burnley College names new principal

Burnley College has announced its new principal and chief executive - describing the appointment as “marking the start of an ambitious new chapter”.

Jason Faulkner takes on the role following the resignation of Karen Buchanan in July, just weeks after she was suspended pending an investigation. Her deputy Kate Wallace has been acting as interim principal.

The new principal of the college, which employs almost 700 people, has extensive experience spanning education, industry-based partnerships and the Armed Forces.

Most recently he served as the award-winning deputy chief executive officer at the Education Training Collective in Tees Valley, helping to drive the North East group to an’ outstanding’ Ofsted rating earlier this year.

In a statement announcing the appointment, Burnley College said: “His diverse background gives him a fresh outlook that will inspire and motivate both learners and staff.

“As principal, Jason will play a key role in building on the success of the college’s leadership team and widening its strong connections with industry and the local community.

“Focusing on partnership and innovation, Jason’s appointment emphasises Burnley College’s commitment to delivering incredible opportunities for every student.”

The college said he will lead efforts to further strengthen relationships with employers and ensure students have the skills, confidence and ambition to succeed in their chosen careers.

Mr Faulkner said: “Burnley College feels like a place where my skills and experience align, and I can add real value. This feels like the right fit.

“I am optimistic about the future and being able to share the skills I have developed with another college and the surrounding communities, and add value to their, and my, next chapter.”

David Brown, chair of governors, said: "”We are delighted to welcome Jason to Burnley College.

"His dynamic leadership and forward-thinking vision are exactly what we need to continue building an educational environment where every student and staff member can achieve their ambitions.

“We are confident that under his guidance, the college will reach new heights of excellence and further solidify its role as a cornerstone of the community.”

In July an Ofsted report criticised the college for inflating student qualification achievement rates. It followed visits by inspectors in March and May.

The Ofsted report said: “Inaccurate individualised learner records were submitted by the provider which inflated the qualification achievement rates for young learners on level 3 vocational and A-level courses. This misled key stakeholders, such as learners, parents and the local community about how well learners achieved.”

In a statement responding to the report, Burnley College said: “The college acknowledges Ofsted’s findings and has already been reviewing its practices to ensure that anomalies are identified and investigated as quickly and effectively as possible and welcomes Ofsted’s input on such steps.”