01 July 2019
A teacher who has worked in education for 27 years has been appointed as the interim Principal of Highlands College.
Jo Terry-Marchant, the College’s current Deputy Principal, will begin her new role in September when Steve Lewis retires from the post.
Mr Lewis, whose retirement marks the end of a 40-year career in education, said: “I have really enjoyed being the Principal of Highlands College and I count myself as extremely lucky to have had this opportunity. Our focus has always been to put students at the centre of all that we do at Highlands. The next decade will see significant developments in post-16 and higher education for the island and Highlands is perfectly poised to respond creatively to new and exciting initiatives. I am handing the college over in excellent shape to a skilled and talented staff team who can be rightly proud of the work they do and the achievements of our students. I know that Jo Terry-Marchant will make an excellent successor, supported by an experienced senior team, and I wish them well for the future.”
Mrs Terry-Marchant, who will be interim Principal for one academic year, subject to the approval of the States Employment Board, was born and educated in Jersey. She worked in secondary schools in two London boroughs before moving back to Jersey. Mrs Terry-Marchant was Head of Faculty for English and Drama at Grainville School before moving to Highlands College. She was promoted to Deputy Principal in 2013.
Mother of two children aged 21 and 17, Mrs Terry-Marchant has been happily married to Martin for 24 years. She has a Masters in Education and Management and completed the Association of Colleges Senior Leadership Management programme in 2018. Mrs Terry-Marchant is currently a member of Grainville School’s Governing body.
Speaking about her appointment, Mrs Terry-Marchant said: “I am thrilled by the opportunity to lead Highlands College in its next phase on its pathway to excellence. I am confident that together with my highly skilled and committed colleagues at Highlands College we will continue to flourish and meet the needs of islanders from 14 years to post-retirement. The College is central to achieving the social and economic priorities of Jersey. Put simply, we transform lives. We will put the community first and offer high quality, innovative learning experiences for the thousands of students we educate every year. I am proud of what we have achieved to date and look forward to the future as we begin a new era for the College.”
The Minister for Education, Senator Tracey Vallois, said: “I am confident of a successful future for Highlands College and look forward to working with Jo, who is committed to ensuring that learning is high quality and students achieve their potential. Her dedication to the profession and to our learners will continue to support the College on its trajectory of further success. I would like to thank Steve for his hard work, and I wish him a happy retirement.”
The Assistant Minister for Education, Deputy Jeremy Maçon, said: “Highlands College will continue to play a vital role for individuals and Jersey’s economy. The leadership of the College has never been more important and I welcome the opportunity to work with Jo, who has demonstrated her commitment to the young people of Jersey throughout her career. I wish Steve every success for his future and, on behalf of many students and Jersey, I thank him for his service.”
Paul Masterton, the incoming Chair of the Board of Governors at Highlands College, said: “The Board of Governors at Highlands College have seen the College flourish under Steve’s leadership. The renewed leadership at Highlands College paves the way to build on its current strengths and we look forward to building a college fit for Jersey and its skills need together. On behalf of the Board of Governors, I thank Steve for his efforts over the past five years.”
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