Nelson and Colne College Group appoints Lisa O’ Loughlin as new principal and CEO

Nelson and Colne College Group, comprising Nelson and Colne College, Accrington and Rossendale College and Lancashire Adult Learning, is delighted to confirm the appointment of Lisa O’Loughlin as its new principal and CEO, following the imminent departure of Amanda Melton.

Amanda, who retires from the group in July this year, has given Lisa her full support following the announcement and is delighted to be handing over the reins to such an accomplished leader.

“I will be so sad to say goodbye to the college after 10 wonderful years as principal, but I’m really pleased that it’s Lisa I’m passing the baton onto. She is already a well-respected leader in Further Education and has so many accomplishments to her name. I just know she’s the right person to lead Nelson and Colne College Group into the future,” said Amanda.

Lisa is currently the principal of The Manchester College and also deputy chief executive of the LTE Group, the largest education group in the UK, which includes The Manchester College.

She has a wealth of experience, including leading The Manchester College from a ‘Requires Improvement’ Ofsted rating to Good and increasing learner achievement at the organisation by over 10 per cent. Having taught and been a senior leader in an East Lancashire college before joining The Manchester College, Lisa is delighted to be back in the area.

She said: “I’m thrilled that I will be leading this outstanding team in the delivery of high quality, targeted education to the East Lancashire, and wider Lancashire, community. I can’t wait to start my journey with the extraordinary staff and students at the Nelson and Colne College Group.”

Phil Wilkinson, chair of the corporation at Nelson and Colne College Group said of the appointment: “Lisa’s appointment comes on the back of a rigorous selection process involving staff, students, Senior Leaders and Governors and she impressed all of us at every stage.

“Her previous experiences are extraordinary and so clearly show how the Nelson and Colne College Group will go from strength to strength with her at the helm. We’re delighted to be welcoming her to the group and I look forward to seeing the difference she will make to the lives of learners across the county.”