King Edward VI College in Nuneaton is delighted to announce the appointment of their new Principal, Uly Lyons, this month. With an excellent track record of success in the Sixth Form sector Uly brings his experience and distinctive approach to the college.
Born in Durham but raised in West Ham, Uly has spent the last 4 years at Havering Sixth Form College in London as Assistant Principal, where he achieved both increased success rates and retention rates. Uly is now keen to bring his methods to King Edwards, where his aim is to move the College forward from the recent GOOD grade at Ofsted to OUTSTANDING.
“I was immediately attracted to KEC because of its ethos of supporting students to be the best they possibly can, and giving them the skills and experience to ensure they are. The size of the college is also appealing, it’s large enough to offer a very broad mix of A Levels and BTEC courses, while still being small enough to give every student the personalised programme and support they need to be successful.” said Uly.
Moving away from London for this role, the new principal is looking forward to applying his knowledge gained from working in big city schools, however he also appreciates the history and heritage that KEC has and the role it has played within the local community for so many years.
“From the first time I came here I have been immensely impressed with both staff and students. The staff have all made me feel very welcome. Their dedication to providing an excellent experience to our students is fantastic and I’m really looking forward to working with them. The students have really impressed me. I have seen our students demonstrating the behaviours that set them up well for success; respecting each other and the college environment, working well inside and outside of formal lessons and seeking support when they are in need of extra help.”
When asked about his plans for the college Uly said “I think the pressure of the examination system and other external factors can lead to students losing the love of learning that we all have at the start of our life. I want to work with students and staff to take a fresh look at how we do things so that we can still achieve excellent outcomes but we can all enjoy the journey at the same time. Ideas on a postcard/email welcome!“
Chair of Governors, Simon Wright was part of the interview panel who appointed the new principal. “We are really pleased to have Uly joining us and that he will be leading the College into the next chapter in what has been a long and rich history. Uly will bring a wealth of experience, a new energy and focus which together with the great team we have already, will ensure we continue to provide an excellent place for students to study.” Simon continues “We aim to maintain and develop our unique offer of a truly broad curriculum of A level and BTEC provision unrivalled in Nuneaton, Coventry, Warwickshire and surrounding areas and I am certain that with Uly’s leadership the College will deliver this.”
When Uly does get some spare time he enjoys cycling and outdoor activities. “I am a Duke of Edinburgh Scheme Expedition Leader and Assessor and am keen to develop this scheme at KEC. I’m a big West Ham fan and am hoping that our excellent start to the season continues, although I’m not getting my hopes up just yet!”
Uly concludes “My motto is the students will always come first in everything the College aims to achieve, after all they are the reason we are all here!”
To find out more and to chat to the new principal the college will be holding an Open Evening on Wednesday, 18 November 2015.