Simon Nixon appointed principal of Preston College

The board of Preston College is delighted to announce the appointment of Simon Nixon as principal and chief executive at Preston College.

Simon will take the position with immediate effect following a nine-month Interim position he has held since July 2022.

Simon has worked in further education for 23 years and has held a range of senior appointments, most recently as executive director of resources at Preston College for eight years. He is a qualified accountant, and has worked across a range of professional services functions using his expertise in strategic planning, infrastructure development, and general resources management, to improve the learner experience.

John Boydell, chair of Preston College, says: “We are delighted to appoint and welcome Simon as principal and chief executive of Preston College. The recruitment process was rigorous and carried out without fear or favour to each of those seeking the post. The recruitment panel unanimously arrived at the view that Simon was the outstanding candidate and that he should be offered the post.

“Simon has shown skill and significant commitment in the interim post and I am delighted to confirm that Simon has accepted the position of principal and chief executive to lead our committed and talented team. In this acceptance, he enjoys the full confidence of the Board.”

Simon Nixon says: “I am delighted to take the position of principal at Preston College. The College has made significant changes over the years to improve the lives of our learners and the wider community. The recent strong Ofsted outcome is testament to that and I am looking forward to leading the continuation of the great work that our college-wide community and teams so diligently do every day.

“Our college is here to provide care, passion, aspiration and ambition for our learners and its community. Over the next few months, the completion of our college Strategic Plan will be a key priority for me and the rest of the Executive Leadership Team. The hard work of implementing the plan is in its early stages; however, I have no doubt that with the support of everyone in the College, we will go from strength to strength.”