A vision for the future has been unveiled by the Principal of a Sussex College, one year on from accepting the role at Sussex Downs College.

Mike Hopkins, working alongside Governors and colleagues, has shared his ambition for Sussex Downs College to be recognised as amongst the best providers of A-level and vocational courses across East Sussex and greater Brighton. The vision is led by ‘Four Pillars of Excellence’ which will ensure that the College delivers excellence in all that it does.

Broken down into four key areas, the Pillars focus on Sixth Form ‘A’ Level provision: Vocational Professional and Technical education and training; Adult learning, including Higher Education and International courses; and Skill Solutions, including Apprenticeships.

Mr Hopkins, said: “These pillars allow us to focus on the key provision offered by Sussex Downs College and provide a strong vision for the future of education across the region.”

Mike Hopkins took up the position of Principal and Chief Executive Office at Sussex Downs College in September 2015, and this was swiftly followed by an Ofsted inspection which highlighted the need for further improvement.

Mr Hopkins, has accepted the challenge and with the support of governors, staff, students and employers, is driving improvement in all aspects of the College’s provision.

Mr Hopkins, said: “By creating these four pillars, we are placing a greater focus on individual learning and training experiences. The ‘Four Pillars of Excellence’ help to explain our offer with clarity and vision”.

“The new approach will come into place from September 2017 across our Eastbourne, Lewes and Newhaven campuses, following a transitional year.

“We have a lot of very good practice and achievement of which we are justly proud and we are striving for excellence across all of our provision.

“Last year’s Ofsted Report, combined with my arrival, and the Board’s huge support for the College, have acted as a catalyst for creative development and innovation leading to improvement and success”.

Another advantage of this initiative is that it addresses the Government’s recently published White Paper ‘Post-16 Skills Plan’ which will considerably reform the further education landscape.

Henry Ball, Chair of the Board said ‘We recognise our responsibility and duty to the students, parents and employers of East Sussex and Greater Brighton and support this development, as part of a range of improvements being led by Mike Hopkins and the wider staff of Sussex Downs College”.