28 May 2021
The Government of Jersey has announced the new Interim Headteacher of Victoria College, following a thorough and open recruitment process.
Dr Gareth Hughes, the current Deputy Headteacher of Victoria College, will take on the role in September following the retirement of the current long-serving head, Mr Alun Watkins.
The appointment process was led by senior leaders of both the Department for Children, Young People, Education and Skills (CYPES) and Victoria College's Governing Body. As a senior Government of Jersey appointment, the whole process was overseen by the Jersey Appointments Commission.
This was a rigorous recruitment process, which also involved the voice of the pupils through candidate activity with the Student Forum.
This appointment is for the academic year 2021-2022. The recruitment process for the substantive headteacher will commence in the Autumn Term, with an expected start date of September 2022.
Dr Hughes said: "I am honoured and delighted to be chosen to lead this wonderful school. I look forward to building strong and positive relationships with Victoria College and wider Island communities, in pursuit of providing outstanding educational opportunities for our young people."
The Assistant Minister for Children and Education, Deputy Scott Wickenden, said:
"In putting children first, Ministers are committed to ensuring that our schools and colleges have the best leadership that ensures teaching, learning and care are of the highest quality.
"We are keen to grow our talented on-Island leaders, so I welcome Dr Gareth Hughes on his promotion to lead Victoria College for the next school year and will ensure that my team in Education give him all support."
And in line with our pledge to put children first I am pleased that a student panel, from Victoria College that had the opportunity to ask questions to each candidate that provided valuable feedback into the interview process."
The Chair of Governors, Mr Brian Watt said: "I am delighted to congratulate Dr Gareth Hughes on his new role and look forward to working closely with him as he leads Victoria College next year on our continuing journey of improvement. The Governing Body stands ready to provide him with full support in the challenges which lie ahead."
The Department for Children, Young People, Education and Skills (CYPES) will now work closely with Dr Hughes to support the recruitment of a new Acting Deputy Headteacher for Victoria College.
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