Goodbye to our Starman!

College staff and students, well aware of Ian’s long-held admiration for the work of David Bowie, have been hosting their own range of Bowie-themed events to give him a big send-off after so many “Golden Years” at the top. Amongst other activities, students and staff put together a Bowie-inspired fashion show and the College Jazz Band played a rendition of “Starman” as the finale to the College Review; events were capped by a Bowie-themed party featuring local band The Prettiest Starman. 

As incoming principal Jo Cadman explained: “Ian is a hard act to follow. He has steered the college successfully through many challenges over the years. In fact it’s never been quiet: back in the 90s he successfully managed the transition away from local authority control as the college became its own free-standing institution and since then has tackled everything from curriculum reform to covid lockdown, all against a background of relentless funding cuts across the sector. Throughout this time, he’s not just miraculously seen off all the challenges, but grown the college to something that in some ways is unrecognisable from its early days, including a huge expansion of the site and its resources for student learning. In the most important ways, though, he has made sure the college is exactly the same, always holding onto his core values of excellent student experience and pastoral support.   Even in his final year with us, he has worked hard to secure the future of a college he so obviously loves, helping to create a specialist sixth form academy trust in partnership with Long Road College in Cambridge. Ian has always put the students first, doing everything with his trademark wisdom and integrity. The college has had its share of awards over the years and, although such recognition is not what drives Ian, this year’s OFSTED Outstanding judgement is a fitting finale to his many years of service to the college.

Ian would probably in some ways rather not receive the attention, but on the other hand he did say: “ I’m really grateful to have the opportunity to thank friends and colleagues personally at the range of fantastic events that took place this week, but I’d also like to take the opportunity to thank the countless parents and members of the wider Colchester community who have always been such fantastic supporters of the College over nearly four decades; we have always truly valued the friendship of so many people in families, schools, colleges, business and institutions across Essex and Suffolk.  I’d also like to really thank the thousands of current and former students, whether here in the Colchester area or now spread across the country and indeed the world, who have made my time at the College such an enriching one.  This is a fantastic college – and so many students have contributed to its ongoing success.  I’m proud of you all”.

We’re not sure what Ian plans to do with his retirement – but if he pursues it with his characteristic energy and commitment – we’re sure it will be quite something.