Chesterfield College welcomes new Principal

Julie Richards, Deputy Principal of Chesterfield College, commences in her new role as Principal and Chief Executive of The Chesterfield College Group.

Julie, who was born and has lived in Chesterfield her entire life, has worked in Further Education for almost 30 years. She has a strong connection with her home town and says that her career was inspired by her time studying at Chesterfield College after leaving school aged 16. She returned to the college in the 1990s to undertake her teacher training qualification which inspired further her passion for education.

Since then, Julie has worked in colleges and private providers across the country, spending the last 20 years in senior management roles. She joined Chesterfield College as Executive Director of Business Enterprise 8 years ago to lead on the development of apprenticeship provision and services to employers for the college group, resulting in the college being one of the most successful providers of apprenticeships across the country.

Frank Smith OBE, Chairman of the Chesterfield College Corporation welcomed Julie to her new position. He said:-

“I am delighted to announce that we have recruited Julie Richards as the new Principal of Chesterfield College. She has worked with teams across the college to develop our organisation into a highly performing establishment of Further and Higher Education. It is a great pleasure to welcome her to the new role. I am looking forward to working with her, the college management team and staff to continue the development of outstanding education for the local community and across the national arena.”

Reflecting on her new position, Julie said:-

“It is a huge privilege to become the Principal of Chesterfield College. I am passionate about building on the successes we have already achieved and I will continue to ensure the college is working in the heart of the community. Helping students of all ages to progress and reach their potential, at the same time as supporting employers to grow and develop the skills they need for both now and in the future, will always be our prime objective.

“A major part of my role will be to develop how we deliver Further and Higher Education which is fit for the future, meeting the changing economic needs of the area as well as the needs of students and employers. Providing outstanding services to every student and stakeholder is our aim and I am proud to be working with such a dedicated team of staff at the college who will be instrumental in the achievement of our ambitions.”