A NEW principal and chief executive of Swindon College has been appointed for the coming academic year.

Steve Wain will take the helm of the North Star Avenue based college when current head Andrew Miller retires in August.

“I am very excited about the new challenge ahead of me. I have had some exposure to Swindon College, its staff, students and the learning environment and that makes me very happy to be joining the team in August,” said Steve.

Steve is currently the principal of Shrewsbury College, a position he has held for four years.

During his time there Shrewsbury College, classed as a "coasting college" in 2012 achieved its best ever Ofsted inspection result in 2014 and applications to the college for September 2016 entry are at a five-year high.

“I was tasked with improving the college and growing its numbers which I did and bringing the two Shrewsbury colleges together so I feel now is the right time to step down and look to the future,” said Steve.

“Swindon is a vibrant town, with a growing economy and excellent future prospects.

“Swindon College is playing a crucial role in support economic growth and in providing much needed education and training for the wider community.

“I am already highly impressed with the college students, and am thrilled to be coming to work with such a dedicated and positive group of colleagues.”

Steve, 49, began his career in the Royal Navy before taking up his first post in the education sector as a lecturer in public services at Hounslow Borough College in 1991.

He has been married to Hilary, since 1992, and has two children, Luisa, 23, and Naomi, 21.

It will be a sad farewell to current principal Andrew Miller who joined the college in January 2010.

Under Andrew’s leadership, in February 2013 Swindon College was given an outstanding Ofsted rating.

Andrew said: “I am pleased to be able to leave the college in such an excellent position, knowing that colleagues are able to continue providing the excellent standards of teaching and learning for which Swindon College has become renowned. I have enjoyed the role immensely and will miss the students and staff.

The college’s chair of governors, Rob Beale, said: “The governing body, staff and students owe Andrew a huge debt, and we know that he will continue to be successful in whatever he does next.

“We are delighted to have recruited a principal and chief executive of Steve’s calibre and experience, and are looking forward to supporting him in building on Andrew’s great work, and taking Swindon College on to the next phase in its development.”