Bexhill man steps down as head

Craig Pamphilon made his announcement on Tuesday.

Under Mr Pamphilon's leadership the college received an 'outstanding' rating from Ofsted. His leadership was recognised as central to college life and its success.

After meeting staff and the governing body on Monday evening, Mr Pamphilon, 57, spoke personally to each year group on Tuesday to explain his decision to students.

He will have held leadership posts at the college for 22 years, just under half that time as principal.

During this time the college has attained specialist college status in both technology and vocational learning; the latter as a result of the high performance of its students.

He has also been instrumental in attracting funding to the college for a variety of state-of-the art buildings and played a major role in the setting up of the Wealden Skills Centre in the heart of the town.

He will leave a college that is highly regarded locally, financially stable and more than able to stay one of the best.

Mr Pamphilon was born in Cheshire and lives now in Bexhill.

He taught at a school on the borders of North Wales and Cheshire and was formerly deputy head at Ratton School in Eastbourne.

He is married with a son who works for Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs in London, a daughter who works at Hadlow College, Wadhurst, and another daughter based in Oakley near Basingstoke.

Mr Pamphilon told a reporter: 'This is a really good school where children can get a good education and do exciting things.

'Hopefully it will now attract a new head whose intention is also to excite people and who can take it on to new heights.

'I have not left them with a hill to climb.

"The school can get better and better - and it's not just leadership that achieves that.

'Success is down to the wonderful students, teachers and staff.'

He confessed: 'I'm not retiring in the sense that 'that's it now, I'm going to walk along the seafront and be miserable.

'Who knows, another perfect job might come along?

'This is a good time for me to leave.

'I have had a wonderful time and now is the time to take stock.'

In a letter to parents, he said: 'Uckfield Community Technology College realises the potential of its students and staff.

'I hope I have realised mine and in so doing we have collaborated to achieve your ambitions for the students you have, over the years, sent here.

'The next eight months will be hard but after it has passed I want to give myself time to decide what I do next.

'I'm sure there will be other opportunities for me to express my gratitude to you for allowing me the privilege of working at the college with, over the years, so many young people from so many families.

'I could not be more proud; they have done and will continue to do exceptional things.'

Chairman of governors Neill Barker paid tribute to a 'charismatic and successful leader' who had created a rich and diverse learning environment in which students could thrive.