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Nescot has appointed a new Chief Executive Officer and Principal to lead the college as it continues to grow.

Frances Rutter, currently Chief Executive at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, will join the college in the spring, and oversee everything from courses to new commercial ventures.

She will focus on helping ensure Nescot remains the Further Education college of choice for students in the area and beyond, and that it continues to maintain a strong and sustainable financial base.

“We’re absolutely delighted at this appointment,” said Professor Sam Luke, Chairman of Nescot Corporation.

“Frances is a proven leader, and she will bring a wealth of relevant senior-level experience and expertise to this role. She understands what our vision is, and she has excellent ideas of how we can get there.

“We’re absolutely confident that Frances is the right person to lead Nescot on to the next phase of our journey, and we’re looking forward to working with her as she leads and strengthens our excellent academic and commercial teams.”

Mrs Rutter, a qualified solicitor, has been Chief Executive of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council for the last eight years.

She was with Elmbridge Borough Council for the previous 13 years, with two years as Assistant Chief Executive.

In her current role she is responsible for more than 300 employees delivering more than 200 services, ranging from emergency housing to food hygiene inspections to elections.

Mrs Rutter has also served as a governor at Nescot, before stepping down in 2013 as the college sought planning permission to redevelop its site.

“I’m honoured to be given this role, and I can’t wait to get started,” Mrs Rutter said. “This is a really exciting time for post-16 education, with plenty of opportunities for Nescot.

“Nescot is already a great college and a good performer. I am looking forward to working with governors, staff and students to help it become even stronger.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council. I’m sad to be leaving, but I’m pleased that I will remain actively involved in this local community and I’m looking forward to the new challenges ahead.”

Mrs Rutter will lead the college as it works towards being recognised as Outstanding, with students getting the best learning experience in excellent facilities, and leaving Nescot immediately ready for work.

She will also work hard on building relationships with employers, civic and voluntary organisations and the wider public, continuing to improve quality, and driving innovation throughout the college.

Mrs Rutter was appointed from a shortlist of five outstanding candidates on Thursday last week (November 10) following a rigorous two-day process of interviews and assessments involving students and staff from across the college.

Cliff Hall will stay on at Nescot as CEO and Principal until Mrs Rutter takes up her new role.

“The Senior Management Team and I are delighted Frances will be taking over as CEO and Principal, and we know she’ll do a really great job,” Mr Hall said.

“Nescot is a great college with wonderful potential, and our students deserve the very best. All the staff at the college are looking forward to working with Frances to help the college realise our vision.”

Nescot, based in Ewell in Surrey, offers full-time and part-time courses, apprenticeships and university-level study to students from across the county and South London.