Matt Reynolds, who has been serving as Interim Principal for the last seven months, takes up his new position as Principal and Chief Executive effective 1st January 2024. Matt brings a wealth of experience to the position, having been a member of staff at Cirencester College for the last 18 years, starting as a lecturer of Archaeology and progressing to Vice Principal. Throughout his career, Matt has taught a wide range of A-level, Vocational and Technical subjects.
Providing high quality, life changing education for every young person, regardless of their background, has always been at the heart of Matt’s work, and he is committed to Cirencester College being an institution driven by a desire to create the best experience in the region for young people. He has had a key role in several successful initiatives, including developing T-levels with the Department for Education, leading the introduction of T-levels at Cirencester and the reformation of the Level 2 system which won the coveted 2022 SCFA National Award for Curriculum Innovation.
“It is a great honour to be the new Principal of Cirencester College”, said Matt, “I have over 30 years’ experience in education and have spent the last 18 of those at Cirencester College, working from Teacher to Course Leader, Department Head to Faculty Head and then Vice Principal, which on reflection feels like a good apprenticeship for our future. In that time, I’ve taught from entry to degree level through over 20 different subjects. The last five years of my career have been grounded in the development of curriculum and educational reform, driving us on to being rightfully recognised both regionally and nationally as pioneers and trend setters of modern sixth form education. As an educationalist, my core values revolve around innovation, development, inclusivity, collaboration and creating outstanding progression opportunities for learners. I absolutely believe in us as an institution driven by a desire to create the best experience in the region for young people. My strategic focus is on building the future-ready curriculum, technological integration, expanding strong industry partnerships, innovating student centred positive reforms, and encouraging sector research that leads to genuine positive outcomes for our learners. We are exceptional as a college family. I’m very proud to be a part of it and thrilled to be leading us at such an exciting time for education.”
Chair of Governors, Fiona Galbraith said, “On behalf of the Corporation, I am delighted that Matt has been appointed Principal of the College. This appointment was made following an open competition which attracted a great deal of interest across the country, reflecting the high reputation this College now enjoys. Matt was selected following two days of rigorous interviews in which staff, students and some invited external panel members participated. He is undoubtedly the right person to take us forward. I am excited by the vision Matt has for Cirencester College and I look forward to this new chapter.”
For all enquiries please contact sara.popp@cirencester.ac.uk
