Colchester​ Sixth Form's principal Ian MacNaughton retiring

Ian MacNaughton is leaving the North Hill educational establishment today after spending 8 years as Vice Principal and 27 years as Principal. 

College staff and students, 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.

This included a Bowie-inspired fashion show, a Bowie-themed party featuring local band The Prettiest Starman, and the College Jazz Band playing a rendition of “Starman” as the finale to the College Review.

Fashion - The Sixth Form College Colchester's Bowie-themed fashion show, with a banner saying 'We love you Ian!' (Image: Adrian Frost)

The incoming principal Jo Cadman said: “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”.

Ms Cadman said that Ian had also led a “huge expansion of the site” adding: “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 outstanding Ofsted judgement is fitting finale to his many years of service to the college.”

Thankful - Ian MacNaughton thanked friends, family, colleagues, and students (Image: Adrian Frost)

Mr MacNaughton thanked friends and colleagues for the “fantastic events” that took place this week, as well as the “countless parents and members of the wider Colchester community” for their support for nearly four decades.

He added: “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 fantastic college – and so many students have contributed to its ongoing success.  I’m proud of you all.”