A HAMPSHIRE college principle has retired after 38 years in further education.

Tim Jackson, Principle and Chief Executive of Sparsholt College Group will be retiring at the end of this month, after 38 years in further education, and 22 years as Principle of the Sparsholt College.

After being recruited to be a tutor and course manager for the Diploma in Agriculture for the college from his position teaching agriculture at Warwickshire College in 1986, Tim progressed through various management positions, including Head of Faculty and Vice Principle, before accepting the position of Principle in 1998.

He said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of a college which is comprised of employers and businesses, who are so supportive and my colleagues who I have had the privilege to lead and who, through their dedication, innovation and passion, inspire and support our students to transform their own lives and go directly into great careers or higher study."

Julie Milburn has been Principle Designate for more than a year now and will officially take up the role of Principle on August 1.

After understudying Tim since 2018, Julie said: "I have had the privilege of working alongside Tim for the past two years and observed first hand his outstanding approach to leading such a diverse organisation with great success.

"His levels of energy and high expectations, set for both staff and students, has been an inspiration to us all and the Senior Leadership Team look forward to maintaining this continuous pursuit for excellence that Tim has embedded within the fabric of this College.”