A large group of Southwestern colleges announce the new principal

Cornwall College Group has appointed Rob Bosworth as its next principal and chief executive.

He will take over the reins on July 1 from current boss John Evans, who is set to retire later that month.

Bosworth (pictured) will join from Exeter College, where he has worked for nearly 24 years, currently as deputy chief executive.

Patrick Newberry, chairman of Cornwall College Group, said Bosworth had “an outstanding track record in further education” and had played “a pivotal role in the success of his current college”. The board is “certain to build on the excellent work John Evans has done and ensure we remain an excellent college for our students and community”.

As well as playing a key leadership role at Exeter College, which has been rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted twice in the past decade, Bosworth has also been chairman of the Ted Wragg Multi Academy Trust, director of the Institute of Technology South West, and is currently Vice-President of Exeter Chamber of Commerce.

Ahead of his move to Cornwall College Group, Bosworth said: “In my experience, placemaking, partnerships and people are at the heart of outstanding education and training.

“We will look to build on current partnerships and establish new ones so that the economies of Cornwall and Devon can thrive with the skills needed to meet their ambitions. I know that with the wonderful team we have here at Cornwall College Group, we can continue to be a college that the region can be proud of.”

A job advert for Evans’ successor closed 12 weeks ago and the final selection took place on 20 March. There was a delay in announcing Bosworth’s appointment because of the new requirement for colleges to get government approval for salaries above £150,000. Bosworth’s salary has not been disclosed, but Evans earns £195,000 a year.

Other colleges which have yet to announce new permanent heads due to delays in the signing process include Sandwell College, which closed its application process in September, and Warwickshire College Group, which saw applications close in February. Former WCG chief executive Angela Joyce was announced as Capital City College Group in June 2023.

Retired CEO ‘inspired amazing energy and drive’

Evans joined the Cornwall College group in 2019 during a turbulent period that required a £30m government bailout and a “fresh start” business plan.

Then FE Commissioner Richard Atkins had suggested that the college should merge with Truro and Penwith College, but it was later decided that both colleges should remain independent.

Since 2019, when Cornwall College was rated “requires improvement”, the group has returned to “good”.

Newberry said Evans had “inspired an amazing energy and drive to ensure every learner receives the best possible education and learning experience, and I know Rob is excited to build on that excellent foundation.”

He added: “We cannot thank John enough and he deserves full recognition for the brilliant college he teaches.”

The Cornwall College Group consists of campuses in St Austell and Camborne, Duchy College Rosewarne and Stoke Climsland, Falmouth Marine School, Bicton College, Plymouth Engineering Skills Centre, as well as university centers in Newquay and at the Eden Project.