A college has announced its new principal after impressing school governors in a 'rigorous and competitive' selection process.

Gary Potts has been announced to be Northumberland College's new head teacher and will be starting in the summer. 

He is replacing Nigel Harrett, who announced his retirement earlier in the year.

Mr Potts is currently group vice principal for Business, Innovation and Partnerships at Education Training Collective, which incorporates Stockton Riverside College, Redcar and Cleveland College, Bede Sixth Form College, The Skills Academy and NETA Training Group.

“I’m absolutely delighted to have been offered the opportunity to become principal of Northumberland College," he said.

"It is a genuine privilege to be appointed and build upon the great work done by Nigel and the team so far, and to ensure that we offer real life-changing opportunities in education and training to our local people and employers across Northumberland.

James Stuart, chair of the Board of Corporation for Education Partnership North East, of which Northumberland College is a part, said: "After a rigorous and highly competitive selection process, I am delighted to announce Gary's appointment as Principal of Northumberland College.

“Gary will be joining a highly capable leadership team and board of governors. Ambitious for the North East region and our local communities, we are all looking forward to welcoming Gary to our college group as we press ahead to achieve outstanding educational experiences for our students and partners.”

Northumberland College is part of Education Partnership North East, a multi-award-winning regional college group serving diverse urban and rural communities from the most Northern point of the Scottish Borders to the most Southern point of the Tees Valley. The college group also comprises Sunderland College and Hartlepool Sixth Form. 

Ellen Thinnesen, chief executive of Education Partnership North East, said: “I’m looking forward to working with Gary and the wider leadership team and continuing our forward journey with a focus on strategic developments at the Port of Blyth, an improved education solution for Berwick and the continued positive momentum and progress at Northumberland College’s Ashington and Kirkley Hall campuses."