Cornwall College principal and chief executive, John Evans, will step down this summer, leaving behind a “legacy of transformative initiatives and academic achievements”.

Patrick Newberry, chair of governors at The Cornwall College Group (TCCG), acknowledged Evans’ contributions, saying that under his leadership over the past four years, the group had “reached news heights”.

“His visionary approach, commitment to excellence and unwavering passion for education have left an indelible mark on our institution,” Newberry said. “We thank him for his transformative leadership.

“TCCG remains committed to building upon the legacy John leaves behind, with a continued dedication to providing exceptional education and addressing the evolving needs of the community.”

During his tenure, Evans established a number of initiatives across TCCG’s ten campuses. From establishing innovative 14-16 vocational academies, introducing the UK’s first ecological postgraduate degree through Eden Project University Centre, to driving the development of Electric Vehicle labs, addressing the evolving landscape of the automotive sector. His commitment to fostering collaboration and networking has led to strategic partnerships across Cornwall and Devon, bridging the gap between education and industry needs.

“From achieving the coveted Ofsted ‘Good’ rating and leading multi-million-pound campus redevelopments to actively lobbying the government in Westminster for increased funding, John’s achievements were many,” Newberry added.

“On behalf of the TCCG board of governors, I extend our sincere appreciation for his dedicated service. We wish him continued success in all his future endeavours.”