Preston principal retires after ten years with socially-distanced celebration

Dr Lis Smith has now retired as Preston's College principal after ten years.

Dr Lis Smith has been CEO and principal of Preston s College for a decade and has now retired.

On March 26 staff and students got together for a socially-distanced celebration of her leadership.

They said a heartfelt farewell to the principal and the afternoon's celebrations in the college theatre were live streamed for those teaching and learning remotely.

Former principal Dr Lis Smith speaks at her socially-distanced retirement celebrations.

Dr Smith leaves the college with a 'Good' Ofsted rating after it dipped to 'Requires Improvement' in 2016 and has been credited with improving the quality of teaching and learning and the college's finances.

She was at the forefront of the move to remote learning in recent months due to the COVID-19 pandemic and school closures.

April sees a new chapter as executive director Simon Nixon takes up the role of interim principal and chief executive.

He will hold the post until May 31 until new principal and chief executive Louise Doswell takes the reigns in June.

Dr Lis Smith is joined by socially-distanced colleagues for her retirement celebrations.

“I am very privileged to be taking up the post of principal and chief executive at Preston’s College," Louise said.

"Under Lis Smith’s leadership the college has made great progress towards its ambition to become outstanding.

"I am looking forward to joining the leadership team and working with them and the Board of Governors, staff and learners, to continue the journey to outstanding.

"I am keen to hear from the college, young people and the wider community about how I can take a key role in making this happen.”