The governing body of Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College is pleased to announce the appointment of Kate Wills as Principal and CEO, effective 1 December 2024. Kate's appointment follows her successful tenure as Interim Principal since August, during which she has provided strong and visionary leadership at a pivotal time for the newly merged institution.

The merger of Weymouth College and Kingston Maurward College earlier this year created a strong, responsive, and ambitious organisation that is uniquely positioned to meet the evolving skills demands of Dorset and the surrounding region. With campuses in both Weymouth and Kingston Maurward, the College can now offer an impressive breadth of courses, ranging from land-based studies to A Levels, vocational qualifications, and apprenticeships. This expanded provision is underpinned by a commitment to exceptional student support, ensuring learners are fully prepared for life and the world of work.

Kate brings over two decades of experience in further and higher education in the South West to her role as Principal and CEO. Before joining Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College, she served as Group Deputy Principal at The Cornwall College Group, where she managed a diverse portfolio across ten campuses. During her tenure, she developed a reputation for strong leadership in curriculum design, quality improvement, and stakeholder engagement. Kate has consistently championed initiatives to align education with regional economic needs, demonstrating her commitment to creating opportunities for students and supporting local industries and skills demands.

Steve Webb, Chair of Governors, expressed his confidence in Kate's appointment: "We are delighted to confirm Kate Wills as our new Principal and CEO. Her dedication, expertise, and leadership have been evident throughout her time as Interim Principal. The merger has created an organisation with the vision and resilience to meet both current and future demands, and I am confident that under Kate's leadership, the College will continue to thrive and deliver exceptional opportunities for our students and community."

Kate Wills shared her excitement about taking on the role: "It is an honour to lead Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College at this exciting time. Together, we are building a truly ambitious organisation that not only provides the skills and qualifications our students need but also fosters their confidence and ambition to succeed in life and work. By strengthening our partnerships with local businesses and ensuring our curriculum reflects the needs of employers, we are empowering our students to make a real difference in their chosen fields. I am looking forward to working with our dedicated staff, students, and stakeholders to achieve even greater success."

Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College is committed to the communities it serves and to being a key partner with local and regional businesses. By leveraging the combined strengths of its campuses and sharing best practice across the organisation, it aims to deliver a contemporary and cohesive curriculum that meets the future needs of the region and ensures students are truly ready for life and the world of work on completion of their course.

For further information about Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College, please visit www.wkmc.ac.uk