27 April 2020
A teacher who was born and educated in Jersey has been appointed as the Principal of Highlands College.
Jo Terry-Marchant, who was the College’s Interim Principal, has worked as a teacher for 27 years.
The appointment was made following an open competition process, which took place virtually last week due to the Stay Home Order.
The process was overseen by the Jersey Appointments Commission and involved senior members of the voluntary sector, business community, an independent adviser with significant experience in further and higher education from the UK, and senior officials from Government.
A rigorous selection programme commenced after the closing date for applications in March 2020 and candidates took part in all aspects of the appointment through online platforms and virtual meetings. This is one of the first appointments at senior level in Jersey undertaken during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mrs Terry-Marchant, who will take up her role immediately, worked in secondary schools in two London boroughs before moving back to Jersey. Mrs Terry-Marchant was Head of Faculty for English and Drama at Grainville School before moving to Highlands College. She was promoted to Deputy Principal in 2013.
She has a Masters in Education and Management and completed the Association of Colleges Senior Leadership Management programme in 2018. Mrs Terry-Marchant is currently a member of Grainville School’s Governing body.
Speaking about her appointment, Mrs Terry-Marchant said: “Highlands College is a wonderful learning institution and I am truly honoured to lead the College and its dedicated staff into the next stages of its development. Our mission is to transform lives by empowering learners to find fulfilment and to make a positive social and economic contribution to our Island. I want to thank all of our partners in this endeavour and I look forward to a bright future working together.”
The Minister for Education, Senator Tracey Vallois, said: “On behalf of the Government and department of Children, Young People, Education and Skills I would like to congratulate Jo on this well-deserved appointment and for leading the College through a challenging period.
“I am confident of a successful future for Highlands College and look forward to working with Jo, who is committed to ensuring that learning is high quality and students achieve their potential.”
The Assistant Minister for Education, Deputy Jeremy Maçon, said: “The leadership of the College has never been more important and I would like to congratulate Jo on her role. She has demonstrated her commitment to the young people of Jersey throughout her career. It was a rigorous selection process and I’m delighted to see that a Jersey-born candidate has secured this senior position and will no doubt continue to be an inspiration to many others. Highlands College in the coming months will play an even more significant role for students, families and Jersey’s economy.”
The Chair of the Board of Governors at Highlands College, Paul Masterton, said: “I am hugely delighted that Jo has been appointed as our new principal. This is a highly deserved recognition of her dedication to learning, to students, to Highlands and to Jersey. Jo’s passion, leadership and vision will ensure the continued progress and success of the college which, now more than ever, is essential to the future of our Island.”
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