THE new principal of The Bournemouth and Poole College has shared her ambition to make it outstanding when she takes over in September.

Diane Grannell beat tough competition with candidates from across the UK and takes up her post when current chief Lawrence Vincent leaves.

Diane, currently vice-principal, finance and planning at the college, has extensive experience in education and the commercial sector and has worked at the Arts University Bournemouth, Salisbury College, a sixth-form college and in the coal and brewing industries.

She said: “Dorset is a vibrant and exciting county which deserves only the best educational provision. I share the view of its governors that the Bournemouth and Poole College should continue to be recognised as a centre of excellence, providing outstanding education and training.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to work in close partnership with the other education leaders in the county and beyond, and to continue to forge stronger, effective working links with employers and community partners.

“The college is evolving and I will be leading that in terms of new campus accommodation and the quality of teaching and learning. This college has an ambition to be rated Ofsted ‘outstanding’ and I want to help realise that.”

Joy Postings, chair of the college’s governing body said she was confident Diane would be an outstanding leader.

She said: “We are thrilled to have appointed Diane. She brings with her a wealth of experience.

“The interview process was deliberately rigorous involving our staff, governors, students, employers and key stakeholders from across the region.

“There was fierce competition and the calibre of the candidates is testament to the growing reputation of the college.”