Newbury College starts the New Year with a new Principal and Chief Executive at the helm. Lee Probert joined the College in October 2024 as an associate member of the College’s leadership team and takes over as Principal and Chief Executive from January 2025. Iain Wolloff, who has served as the College’s Principal and Chief Executive for seven years, retired at Christmas, having worked with Mr Probert during a handover period in the Autumn Term.
During his time at the College, Iain supported the opening of Highwood Copse Primary School before handing it over to the Thames Learning Trust. He led the team in the development of the higher education provision and the subsequent launch of University Centre Newbury. He also sagely guided the development of Further Education provision, improving the links with local schools, employers, and the community.
In his leaving message to the College Team, Mr Wolloff commented on the value of the College:
“The reason for our longevity is clear – we are here meeting real needs and, therefore, making a positive difference to so many lives.
“As I retire gently from our sector, I know that our College is in the very safe hands of each and every member of staff, and in the hands of all those dedicated people who will take over from us in future. I look forward to hearing of the great successes of the College and of our students over the coming years.”
Chair of Governors, Sally Osmond said,
“We’re extremely grateful to Iain for his loyal and dedicated service and are pleased to have had such a positive handover.
Commenting on Lee’s arrival, she continued:
“The Board is delighted to be working with Lee as he takes over in the New Year and focuses on supporting the development and delivery of the next phase of the College’s development.”
Lee Probert now looks to continue the hard work with the same level of dedication and commitment to the sector, having worked in leadership roles in colleges in York, Bristol, and Hull as well as in the funding council for colleges.
Mr Probert said, “I am delighted to take on this role and to have the opportunity to work with such dedicated students and colleagues to develop and deliver a high-quality, sustainable future for the College.”
The College enters 2025 with a renewed focus on excellence and sustainability, underpinning the values of aspiration, integrity and respect, which are creating transforming opportunities for the local community.