Walsall’s College of Continuing Education Principal retires
Date Published : 12 December 2008
Walsall’s College of Continuing Education’s principal, Terry Bell is retiring this month after more than twenty years at the helm.
Terry who joined what was Walsall Council’s youth training provision in 1984 became senior training officer when the college was formed in 1993.
By the mid-1990s, he was appointed as the business development and human resources directorate manager before becoming acting principal in 1999. In 2001 he was appointed to the post of principal.
In his role as principal, Terry has helped the college acquire significant achievements in recent years. The college achieved grade 3 (satisfactory) in its first ever Adult Learning Inspectorate in December 2005 and has helped it to become a top performer in both the Black Country and the West Midlands.
Terry, who turned 64 earlier this month, said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Walsall. I came here as a mere lad of 21 from London having served my electrical apprenticeship.
“The college has been my life and I will be very sad to go, but I do believe that this is the moment when I need to step down and let others take up the challenge.
“The staff and all the learners are a joy to work with and I am so proud that the college has achieved the overall best performance in the Black Country for four years in a row. The college is currently top of the Learning Skills Council’s latest success tables for general further and adult education providers in the West Midlands and second best LEA provider in England.
“My plans for the future may include working in another arena but too early to say exactly where that would be.”
In October this year, Terry was nominated for the Quality Improvement Agency’s STAR AWARD for his services in education.
Councillor Louise Harrison, cabinet member for leisure and culture praised Terry’s contribution. She said: “The college has a history of achievement with awards for guidance and information services and its success and growing reputation certainly reflects Terry’s drive and commitment as principal.
“We wish Terry all the best and no doubt he will be missed by his colleagues and students.”