The first woman to lead NUNEATON’S oldest college, dating back to 1552, Dr Esther Maughan, is retiring from her post of Principal following 7 years in the post and 34 years in education.
Dr Maughan started her teaching career in 1981 and she went on to become the first female principal the College has had in 2008.
Dr Maughan leaves a strong legacy behind her. The College has a long tradition of academic excellence and under her leadership the College has gone from strength to strength with 1100 students currently studying A levels along with complementary BTEC provision.
Dr Maughan is clear that the focus on the 16 to 19 age group and teachers who are able to specialise in delivering Level 3 to this age group is part of the College’s success.
When asked about her time at the college Dr Maughan said “I am pleased with the way the College has progressed during my time here and this is a good time to hand over the reins to my successor. I love King Edward’s. It is a special place and I can honestly say that I have never worked anywhere more caring, nurturing or supportive of students. It has been a great honour for me to be the Principal of such a prestigious institution and to be part of such a great team.”
Ofsted recently recognised the College as being Good across all aspects of its provision. This is a very high achievement as the benchmarks for Sixth Form colleges are higher than any othet type of institution. King Edward VI College is one of only 3 sixth form colleges nationally to achieve a Good rating by Ofsted in the 12 months leading up to our inspection.
Chair of Trustees Roy Hawkins said “I can honestly say, for my part and on behalf of my fellow trustees, it has been a pleasure working with Esther during her term as Principal . She has driven significant and highly beneficial improvements to the fabric of the college during her tenure. There is no doubt she leaves King Edward a much better equipped, stronger and efficient teaching and learning environment than she found it”
Over the last few years the College has undergone a transformation with the development of new facilities for Art, Photography, Music, Music Technology, Media, Film, History, Government and Politics, Classical Civilization, Critical Thinking, Engineering and Business, with new laboratories for Physics, Chemistry and Applied Science. The library resources are also second to none.
Assistant Vice Principal David Butcher said “Esther has worked tirelessly during her time here for the young people of Nuneaton and surrounding areas. She leaves a thriving college in a strong position. It was wonderful for Esther to gain such a powerful endorsement from Ofsted in the last few weeks of her Principalship.”
Chair of Governors Simon Wright said “Esther’s drive, enthusiasm, energy, focus and passion, and the commitment and efforts of the whole college team, has enabled us to offer to students at the College a high quality teaching and learning experience and the unique environment and culture in which students can study, be supported and flourish. On behalf of the Board of Governors, past and present, who have worked with Esther – we wish her a long and happy retirement. It is well deserved.”
Esther is looking forward to spending more time with her family and plans to explore the world in her retirement.
King Edward VI College was established in 1974 but started out life as a grammar school in May 1552, with the oldest surviving building located on the grounds of the St Nicholas Church dating back to 1595.