Selby College announces appointment of new Principal and Chief Executive Officer

The Board of Selby College is delighted to announce the appointment of Phil Sayles as the new Principal and Chief Executive, to replace Allan Stewart OBE, who retired on 2nd September after 26 years’ service.

Phil brings a significant amount of experience to the role, working at a senior level in the education and skills sector in a variety of roles since 2004. For the past three years he played a key role in the challenging process of merging Rotherham, North Notts and Dearne Valley colleges together to form the RNN Group, where he was Deputy Principal. He was previously Deputy Principal at Rotherham College, where he led significant improvements to quality, student experience and success, reflected in the College attaining its best ever Ofsted grade in 2013.

Prior to that, he was a Director at Lincoln College, successfully leading all types of curriculum, including commercial and international activity. Phil previously held the position of Director of East Coast Media at Grimsby Institute of Further & Higher Education, having initially made the move into the education sector in 1999 as a course tutor. Prior to this Phil had commercial management roles in the construction supplies and retail sectors.

Vernon Wells, Chair of Governors says, “We are delighted that Phil has agreed to become our next Principal. We believe he has the necessary skills and experience to take Selby College forward, following the excellent leadership of Allan Stewart.”

Phil Sayles said, “I am proud to have been appointed Principal and Chief Executive of Selby College. I am a passionate believer in the further education and skills sector and the positive impact it has on students and communities, and the work it does for employers and the UK economy. I’m delighted to be joining a college that does all these things brilliantly and having the opportunity to lead the next stages in our growth and development.”