AFTER a career in education lasting more than three decades, the principal of Highlands College will be retiring this summer.
Jo Terry-Marchant, who joined Highlands in 2004 and has been the college’s head for the past six years, has confirmed that she will step down from the role at the end of the current academic year.
After beginning her teaching career in London in 1992, Mrs Terry-Marchant returned to her native Jersey in 2000 to become head of English and Drama at Grainville School.
Taking up the role of principal at Highlands College during the early weeks of the Covid-19 pandemic, Mrs Terry-Marchant helped staff and pupils adjust to the challenges of remote learning while working to maintain a focus on on inclusion, sustainability, creativity and innovation.
Under her leadership the college earned recognition and awards through increasing its engagement with parents, learners, and partners across the Island, as well as working in partnership with more than 500 employers to ensure education and training remained aligned to the needs of the economy and the community.
Education Minister Rob Ward paid tribute to Mrs Terry-Marchant’s “exceptional” contribution.
“Jo’s leadership of Highlands College has combined compassion with ambition, ensuring students are supported to succeed while the college continues to innovate and respond to the Island’s needs,” he said.
“I would like to thank Jo for her dedication, professionalism and unwavering commitment to learners across Jersey, and I wish her every success in her next steps.”
Mrs Terry-Marchant described leading Highlands College as “an absolute privilege”.
“Education has always been about breaking down barriers and creating opportunity, and I am immensely proud of what the college community has achieved together.
“I leave knowing Highlands is well placed for the future and will continue to change lives for the better.”
The recruitment process for the next principal of Highlands College is expected to begin later this week.
