Highlands announces Interim Head

Tuesday 02 July 2019

Highlands have announced that the college’s Deputy Principal is taking over as Interim Head, following her colleague’s retirement at the beginning of the next academic year.

Having worked in education for 27 years, Jo Terry-Marchant will be taking over as Principal of the college.

Mrs Terry-Marchant will begin her new role in September after Steve Lewis retires following five years in post and a 40-year career in education. 

Of the handover, Mr Lewis said: “I have really enjoyed being the Principal of Highlands College and I count myself as extremely lucky to have had this opportunity. Our focus has always been to put students at the centre of all that we do at Highlands. The next decade will see significant developments in post-16 and higher education for the island and Highlands is perfectly poised to respond creatively to new and exciting initiatives."

Pictured: Mr Lewis is stepping down after five years in the role.

He continued: “I am handing the college over in excellent shape to a skilled and talented staff team who can be rightly proud of the work they do and the achievements of our students. I know that Jo Terry-Marchant will make an excellent successor, supported by an experienced senior team, and I wish them well for the future.”

Mrs Terry-Marchant will be interim Principal for one academic year – subject to the approval of the States Employment Board (SEB) – and has worked as a secondary school teacher in both London and Jersey before moving to the college and being promoted to Deputy Principal in 2013. 

Speaking about her appointment, Mrs Terry-Marchant said: “I am thrilled by the opportunity to lead Highlands College in its next phase on its pathway to excellence. I am confident that together with my highly skilled and committed colleagues at Highlands College we will continue to flourish and meet the needs of islanders from 14 years to post-retirement. 

Pictured: Mrs Terry-Marchant has worked in education for 27 years.

The new interim Principal has a Masters in Education and Management and is the mother of two children aged 17 and 21.

She continued: “Put simply, we transform lives. We will put the community first and offer high quality, innovative learning experiences for the thousands of students we educate every year. I am proud of what we have achieved to date and look forward to the future as we begin a new era for the College.” 

Minister for Education Senator Tracey Vallois added: “I am confident of a successful future for Highlands College and look forward to working with Jo, who is committed to ensuring that learning is high quality and students achieve their potential. Her dedication to the profession and to our learners will continue to support the College on its trajectory of further success. I would like to thank Steve for his hard work, and I wish him a happy retirement.”