HALESOWEN College has announced David Williams has joined the school as principal and chief executive.

Bringing more than 20 years of experience in the further education sector, David was most recently the deputy principal of Herefordshire and Ludlow College.

The appointment of David comes following the retirement of former principal Keith Bate, who led the college for two decades before stepping down last year.

David said: “I am both honoured and excited to be given the opportunity to lead such a fantastic college. Halesowen is quite rightly recognised locally, regionally and nationally as an excellent provider of high quality post-16 education that has the needs and interests of its learners firmly at its core.

“I am very impressed by all of the staff whose care, commitment and hard work ensures that the college’s students receive the highest quality experience and achieve their very best.

“The college already provides the local community with a broad range of academic, vocational and apprenticeship opportunities designed to suit learners of all abilities, including those looking to gain the skills needed to find well paid work or move onto university.

“I am really looking forward to working with my colleagues to lead the college through the next stage in it development.”

David, who began his educational career in 1997 teaching music in Manchester, has worked in a number of colleges throughout England and Wales before his move to Halesowen.