Bournemouth and Poole College is to have a new person at the helm next year.

Phil Sayles will become the new principal and chief executive officer in January 2022 following the current principal Diane Grannell’s retirement at the end of the year.

Phil joins the College with a wealth of experience in the education sector with previous leadership and director roles at Grimsby and Lincoln College. More recently, he was deputy principal at Rotherham College and is currently principal and chief executive officer of Selby College in Yorkshire.

Phil said: “I am absolutely delighted and very proud to have been selected to lead Bournemouth and Poole College at a time when technical skills for work, or further education study, are both vital to local people of all ages. The College plays a pivotal role in delivering this and training the workforce of the future. I look forward to growing our connections with key sectors such as engineering, health and digital when I start my new role.”

The College’s chairman of the Corporation, David Ford, said: “Phil demonstrates a huge passion for learning, forward vision and commitment to the highest quality of teaching. We are confident that Phil’s experience and skills will lead us on the next part of our journey.”

Diane Grannell’s who served six years in her role at the College, said: “Although it is with a heavy heart that I am leaving Bournemouth & Poole College, I am pleased to hand over its leadership to such capable hands. I wish Phil all the best in his new role and hope to see The College continue to grow and develop in the coming years.

“During my remaining time at The College, I will work closely with Phil to ensure he has everything in place for his new position.”

Phil will join The College at a pivotal time with its Lansdowne site to soon benefit from the government’s national £1.5bn fund to improve its learning environments.