A Collective Effort towards Recovery
Since the appointment of CEO and Principal Sara-Jane Watkins in September 2024, WCG has undergone a comprehensive leadership restructuring. This turnaround has been driven by a collective effort across all levels of the college, including the introduction of a new Executive team and a distributed leadership approach. This model empowers newly appointed Campus Principals at every site to drive local excellence while maintaining group-wide stability.
To ensure a solid and vibrant student base for the future, the leadership team moved at a rapid pace to address financial issues and made the difficult but necessary decisions to consolidate operations. This included the closure of Evesham College and the consolidation of its provision into Pershore College to ensure a sustainable and high-quality local offer. These actions have been instrumental in securing the long-term viability of the institution.
Sara-Jane Watkins, CEO and Principal of WCG, commented:
“Moving out of intervention is a pivotal moment for WCG. It demonstrates the Department for Education’s confidence in our recovery and our strategic direction. This progress is the result of an incredible collective effort from our new Executive team and staff across all our campuses. We have moved at a rapid pace to address inherited financial issues, making tough decisions to ensure we have a sustainable foundation. Our commitment to our communities, our staff, and our students remains resolute. I would also like to note that the support provided by the Further Education Commissioner’s team throughout this process has been excellent.”
Strengthening Governance and Future Growth
The College’s exit from intervention was approved by the DfE following recognition of the significant progress made against the terms and conditions of the Notice to Improve.
Gill Clipson MBE, Chair of the Corporation, added:
“I am delighted that the College has moved out of intervention and supervised status. This milestone is a testament to the leadership of our new executive team, whose drive and tenacity enabled us to make such rapid progress in very challenging circumstances. By swiftly assessing our financial position, rebuilding our finance and data functions, and redesigning our quality cycle, we have ensured the organisation is both effective and efficient. We now have a strong Board and an even greater opportunity to shape and sustain a thriving, successful college for the region.”
Dedicated to Quality and Innovation
WCG remains a cornerstone of education across Warwickshire and Worcestershire, supporting over 4,500 students aged 16-18, alongside over 7,000 adults, apprentices, and degree-level students.
With financial stability secured, the College is now laser-focused on ensuring that the quality of education and the overall experience provided to every student is first-class. This includes the expansion of key initiatives such as WCG Sport and a new direct entry provision for 14–16-year-olds. This new provision is a vital step in helping to reduce the number of young people who are Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET), starting with the launch of WCG Drive at Warwick Trident College this September.
Looking Ahead
As part of the transition, WCG has agreed upon a PIMS (Post Intervention Monitoring and Support) plan with the Further Education Commissioner to demonstrate sustained improvement. The plan is time-bound and will be monitored as the College continues to benefit from departmental support while moving toward a full return to universal status.
