Philip Grant to take over the reins at Writtle College
New Principal has extensive experience of land-based colleges and further education
Philip Grant, who will become the Principal of Writtle College on 1 May
Philip Grant, an established education leader with a background in land-based, general further education and secondary education, will become the new Principal of Writtle College on 1 May.
Writtle College provides education provision for learners aged 16-18, plus courses for adult learners, and is part of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU).
As a product of a land-based education, Philip is returning to his roots having trained at Bishop Burton College in the 1990s before graduating from Stirling and Lancaster Universities. During his 30-year career in the sector, he has held senior positions in land-based colleges, general further education colleges and within secondary academy trusts across the UK.
Philip is passionate about the environment, sustainability and self-sufficiency, having previously farmed his own smallholding within a hill farming community in Scotland.
Philip sits on several education boards and has facilitated significant changes to education in deprived areas across the UK, resulting in strong student outcomes. He works closely with local communities and has forged valuable and sustainable collaborations with industry employers.
In 2011, he led the successful merger and relaunch of a land-based college with the University of Cumbria, and his most recent role has been leading curriculum growth and enhancement in a large Merseyside college group.
Originally from a non-equestrian background, Philip is a qualified British Horse Society Riding Instructor, has competed under International Federation for Equestrian Sports rules in both two and three-day events, played polo in the Middle East, and is an experienced British Eventing organiser.
One of Philip’s home-bred horses, Henry (also known as WH Bentley), achieved a gold medal at the World Equestrian Games in 2007.
Writtle College is part of ARU Writtle which is one of the UK’s leading centres for equine education and performance and offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the subject. It houses around 70 horses on campus and has a number of indoor and outdoor riding arenas, livery facilities for students’ horses, and an Equine Academy for talented riders.
“I am thrilled to be joining Writtle College as Principal, and am very much looking forward to becoming part of the team.
“I know from personal experience the power land-based education has in transforming lives. It has been a career-long ambition of mine to lead a prestigious land-based college such as Writtle where every student, no matter their background or experiences, can thrive and achieve their full potential.”
Philip Grant
“I am very pleased to welcome Philip Grant as the new Principal of Writtle College.
“Philip has an excellent track record in land-based education and working closely with employers to deliver better outcomes for students. He is an ideal person to take Writtle College forward.”
Professor Roderick Watkins, Vice Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU)