New Principals at Sussex colleges

4 Jan 2011

Two new Principals start work at Sussex colleges: Janak Patel at Sussex Coast College Hastings and Melanie Hunt at Sussex Downs College.

Janak, a mathematician by training, comes to Sussex Coast College Hastings from the Royal Forest of Dean College where he served both as Vice-Principal and Principal. Janak has a great deal of relevant experience and a very strong track record. He led the Royal Forest of Dean College during a period of remarkable transformation in which the organisation moved from "unsatisfactory" (Ofsted 2004) to "good with outstanding features" (Ofsted 2009).

Melanie has very strong connections with both Sussex and the College. She was educated at Lewes Priory School and was an Assistant Principal at Eastbourne College of Arts and Technology (ECAT), now part of Sussex Downs College, from 1995 to 1999. Her son was a student at Lewes 6th Form College which is also part of Sussex Downs College.

Ken Melsom, Chairman of the SCCH Corporation said. "I am sure that Janak will build on Sue Middlehurst's remarkable achievements and lead the college on the next stage of its journey to outstanding and that you will join me in welcoming him in the New Year."

Dick Holste, Chairman of the SDC Corporation said: "I am delighted to welcome Melanie back to the College as Principal and Chief Executive some 11 years after she left as Assistant Principal. Subsequently she has worked at the Further Education Funding Council, the Learning and Skills Council and recently as Director, Learning and Skills at Ofsted. She brings with her a wealth of experience in education and that will stand her in good stead for moving the College forward to Outstanding in all aspects of its work."