Highlands College is starting the recruitment process for a new principal following the news that Jo Terry-Marchant will step down from the role at the end of the current academic year.
Mrs Terry-Marchant, who began her tenure in the top job at Highlands in 2020 and has worked at the College for more than 20 years in total, confirmed she will be retiring this summer.
Born and educated in Jersey, Mrs Terry-Marchant began her teaching career in 1992 in London, returning to the island eight years later to become Head of English and Drama at Grainville School.
Taking up the role of principal during the early weeks of the covid pandemic, Mrs Terry-Marchant helped staff and students at Highlands adjust to the challenges of remote learning while working to maintain a focus on inclusion, sustainability, creativity and innovation.
Under her leadership, the College earned recognition and awards through increasing its engagement with parents, learners, and partners across the island, as well as working in partnership with more than 500 employers.
Mrs Terry-Marchant described leading Highlands College as “an absolute privilege”.
“Education has always been about breaking down barriers and creating opportunity, and I am immensely proud of what the College community has achieved together,” she said.
“I leave knowing Highlands is well placed for the future and will continue to change lives for the better.”
Education Minister Rob Ward paid tribute to Mrs Terry-Marchant’s “exceptional” contribution.
“Jo’s leadership has combined compassion with ambition, ensuring students are supported to succeed while the College continues to innovate and respond to the island’s needs,” he said.
“I would like to thank Jo for her dedication, professionalism and unwavering commitment to learners across Jersey, and I wish her every success in her next steps.”