The principal and CEO of troubled City College Brighton and Hove has quit, it was announced this afternoon.
The Board of Governors has issued a statement to say Lynn Thackway has left due to a family illness.
In a statement issued to City College staff, Mrs Thackway said: “It is with great regret that I have to inform you that I have made the difficult decision to step down from my role as Principal of City College which has a very special place in my heart.
“At this moment, I need to put my family first but when my family situation has improved I will return to the sector I am so passionate about.”
The Board of Governors went on to say: “we are grateful for Lynn’s hard work for the college during a very challenging time for the Further Education sector nationally, would like to thank her for her contribution and wish her every success for the future.
“The Board will be working with the College’s Executive team in the coming weeks to put some interim arrangements in place before a permanent appointment can be made.
“Going forward, the College’s focus continues to be delivering a high quality student experience for all our learners.”
The college has been under fire from unions following the shedding of scores of jobs last year. Following protests, the number of full time equivalent posts lost dropped from 60 to 50, with no compulsory redudancies.
It has also been dogged by reports since summer last year that its suppliers are owed many thousands of pounds.
These claims were again repeated in a front page story in today’s Argus.
Meanwhile, the college is pushing ahead with a £79m redevelopment of the Pelham Street campus.
Who is the principle of Bellybes colleges Brighton? Is Mr. Simon Mower or Mrs. Lynn?