SHIPLEY College has announced Diana Bird as its new Principal and CEO.

Diana will step-up from her current position as Vice-Principal from September, once the incumbent Principal, Nav Chohan, retires in the summer.

Chair of Governors John Egan said: “I would like to thank all staff and students that participated in the recruitment and selection process. The corporation would like to extend our congratulations to Diana and wish her every success in her new role!”

Diana has worked in several roles in Further Education. With a degree and Masters in Cultural Studies, she is a teacher and ESOL subject specialist and held roles as Head of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and Head of Sector for Essential Skills before she was appointed as Vice-Principal for Curriculum in August 2020.

Diana said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as Principal and CEO of Shipley College. I have been involved with the College for many years and I couldn't be more proud of the work that the staff do to support individuals, businesses and communities to achieve their ambitions.

"I look forward to working with students, staff and our many other stakeholders to ensure that Shipley College continues to provide education and training for young people and adults that transforms lives, provides a clear line of sight to employment, strengthens communities and supports economic growth.”

Nav Chohan was appointed as Principal and CEO at Shipley College in 2009. London-born Nav started his career teaching maths and computing in West London and Nottingham before relocating to Yorkshire, taking up a role at Leeds City College and later progressing to become Director of Further and Higher Education before he joined Shipley College.