Audrey Traynor has been announced as the new Chair of Governors at Loughborough College and says she is looking forward to another year of excellent achievements and teaching for students and staff.
A board member for more than four years with almost half that time spent as Vice Chair, Ms Traynor thanked former Chair Ian Nicholson – who stepped down from the role - for his positive contribution.
“We have had some challenges to face and funding cuts continue to affect the whole further education sector but these are also incredibly exciting times for Loughborough College as we grow and develop.
“With our Chief Executive Esme Winch at the helm, we are committed to growing in success in order to provide life-changing opportunities to support the community, to offer the chance for people of all ages to continue in, or return to, education and training – often those who might not otherwise have had that chance.
“Further Education is close to my heart. I took the FE college route and it has enabled me to gain qualifications and pursue an incredibly enjoyable and successful career in hotels and hospitality.
“Major investment in our campus has seen the recent opening of our £15 million Loughborough Arts Academy including a 250-seat theatre, music and recording studios, a dance studio, art and textile facilities and a photography studio and darkroom while The Hub resource includes a ‘Job Shop’, offering support around employment opportunities.
“A £13 million redevelopment of the Loughborough Sixth Form College facilities is set to further boost teaching and learning and is well underway for next year to support A-levels and service industries including hospitality and catering, travel and aviation, hair and beauty and caring and public services.
“There will be brand new science labs, fully refurbished classrooms and laptops for students to use in lessons.
“Our space programme has expanded with the 18+ Higher Apprenticeship in Space Engineering, announced by Matthew Hancock at our launch earlier this year – adding to our highly successful 16+ course.
“And the Business Minister also joined us to help Loughborough College celebrate winning a further education ‘Oscar’ in the form of a national Beacon Award from the Association of Colleges for the Bridge to Work scheme, which is increasingly successful in preparing 12-19 year olds across the local area for work and training while they are still at school and college.
“Our new proposals for the country’s first dedicated Sport Studio School aim to build on our double outstanding in Sport from Ofsted.
“As the new Chair of Governors I feel honoured to be part of this innovation and development at Loughborough College and to see first hand the very real and growing benefits that offers our community.”