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The City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Simon Fox as its new Principal.

Simon joins the College with more than 20 years of experience in education and leadership, bringing a strong track record of academic excellence, innovation and student success. He will take up the role later this year, leading one of Staffordshire’s largest and most successful sixth form colleges into its next chapter.

The appointment comes at an exciting time for the College as it continues to build on its reputation for outstanding student outcomes, an exceptional student experience and ambitious progression opportunities for young people across Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire and beyond.

Simon began his career following the completion of a PhD in plant virology at the John Innes Centre in Norwich before training as a science teacher in 2003. Since then, he has worked across a range of educational settings in Norfolk, serving as Principal of an academy for five years and most recently as Deputy Principal at East Norfolk Sixth Form College, where he has been since 2018.

Throughout his career, Simon has championed STEM education, inclusion and evidence-informed practice. His approach centres on ensuring every young person has the knowledge, skills, confidence and aspirations needed to succeed in education, employment and life.

Commenting on his appointment, Dr Simon Fox said:

“I am absolutely delighted to be joining the City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College as Principal.

Stoke-on-Trent has an extraordinary sense of place, cultural heritage and pride, and I am excited by the opportunity to connect that rich history with the aspirational future of the city, Staffordshire and its young people.

I have already been struck by the warmth and ambition of the College community, and I can’t wait to work with students, staff, parents, partners and governors to help young people understand where they want to go, and give them the tools, confidence and aspiration to get there.”

As part of Potteries Educational Trust, Simon is particularly excited about the work we undertake with schools and partners across the region to create opportunities that enable young people to thrive and achieve their ambitions.

Welcoming the appointment, Heather McLachlan, CEO of Potteries Educational Trust, said:

“On behalf of the Trust, we would like to welcome our new Principal to the City of Stoke Sixth Form College. Simon brings a genuine passion for education and a strong belief in its power to transform lives. His focus on high-quality teaching and learning,

commitment to developing staff and nationally recognised expertise in STEM and digital innovation will ensure every young person has the best possible opportunities in Stoke, Staffordshire and beyond.”

The whole College community looks forward to welcoming Simon in the autumn as we continue delivering outstanding outcomes and life-changing opportunities for students.