Principal says farewell to college
HE describes it as a fabulous journey but the time is right for principal Miles Dibsdall to bid a fond farewell to New College Stamford.
The principal, who has been at the helm of the college in Drift Road for the last three and a half years, announced last week that on April 16 he will leave to take up the position as principal and chief executive at Telford College in Edinburgh.
"I think that during my time here at New College Stamford, the college has been on a real journey, a fabulous journey," he says.
"The college has totally transformed since I've been here. When I came, I changed the name to New College Stamford and I think that is a real mark of what has been achieved. It does feel like a new college but there is a lot more that can be done."
The journey has not been without its ups and downs.
In July, the college was told its plans for a grass-roofed university centre and a sports centre had not made it onto a shortlist for 41m of funding.
Mr Dibsdall admits: "I have got to say I was terribly disappointed when we didn't get the new build funding because that is one thing that I did really want to achieve.
"That said, we are still progressing with improving in the college and in April phase one of a new building project will start.
"This is a rebuild of the welcome zone with a new reception area and canteen at a cost of 2.5m. It will enhance the college dramatically and we are all about enhancing what we have to offer."
The college is also planning an urban farm on the site.
The positives, according to Mr Dibsdall, are a vast improvement in the college's results and an improvement in the quality and quantity of courses available.
"I really wanted to be part of Stamford and that is what we have achieved," he said.
Mr Dibsdall describes himself as the college's champion but he says the achievements have been a team effort.
"We have a very good team of people that have helped to drive the college forward," he said.
"The people in Stamford, the town council, the various groups, have all been so supportive and wonderful.
"This isn't a Miles Dibsdall college, I am just its champion and it can move forward with a new team in charge.
"New College Stamford is a real part of the community now, we are not Stamford's best kept secret anymore!"
When he joined the college, Mr Dibsdall promised to turn the college into a university and while he admits they're not quite there yet, he believes it is still achievable.
"At the moment we have 220 higher education learners which is three times the amount of when I first came here. The magic number is 500 and we're nearly half way there. We have joined up with other higher education institutes to keep it growing - it can be done."
In true Miles Dibsdall style, he doesn't plan to leave without rustling a few feathers on the way out.
This week, he put an alternative proposal on the table for The Rutland College. Rutland Learning Partnership, made up of representatives of the county council, The Rutland College and Casterton Business and Enterprise College, wants to push forward with plans for a new post-16 college, including eventually rebuilding a new college.
But Mr Dibsdall wants New College Stamford to takeover the college and create New College Rutland, which could mean bigger and better things for the Stamford college in the future.
The proposal has not been welcomed by Rutland County Council.
Recently, New College Stamford formed an education alliance with Stamford Queen Eleanor School and Stamford Endowed Schools, formally marking their commitment to work together.
He has vowed to push forward with the plans until his departure and keep a close eye on New College Stamford in the future.
"It is with some sadness that I am leaving Stamford but in terms of my career, I know it is the right thing to do," he said. "My new position is going to be a real adventure for me, which really is what education is all about."
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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