A NEW principal has been appointed at West Suffolk College.

Dr Nikos Savvas will succeed Dr Ann Williams when she retires, after 10 years in the post and 33 years at the College, in September.

Currently the vice principal of Salford City College, Dr Savvas who has a PhD in High Energy Particle Physics is married with two young children and will be moving with his family to Suffolk.

Richard Carter, West Suffolk College Chairman of Governors, said: “I am thrilled that Nikos has accepted the appointment,

“He was the outstanding candidate to apply for the post and comes to us with the very highest credentials.

“He is the right person to succeed Ann, who has done so much to raise the standards and the profile of the College during her decade as principal.”

Dr Savvas began his career in further education as a physics teacher at Pendleton College, which is now part of Salford City College.

After becoming head of department he moved into management roles becoming responsible for the curriculum and quality of teaching and learning at the college, which had been graded ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.

In his current role in Salford he is responsible for Eccles College.

When he took over, the college suffered from falling student numbers and poor achievement but Dr Savvas has turned this around. Eccles College now has a rising roll and improved results. Dr Savvas is also responsible for the development of higher education in the Salford City College group, developing strategic links with Salford University and Bolton University.

Mr Carter said: “Dr Savvas’ background and experience in developing higher education will be a great asset to the whole county as he continues West Suffolk College’s key role in the growth and development of University Campus Suffolk.”

Dr Savvas said: “I am delighted to have been appointed to this important post. West Suffolk College has an excellent reputation.

“I am very excited about building on the work that goes on here as well as meeting new colleagues, students, partners and supporters of the College in the near future.”