New Principal Announced for Newton Rigg College

A passion for the countryside and teaching are the hallmarks of the new Principal of Newton Rigg College.

Wes Johnson has been announced as Newton Rigg’s first Principal under the new ownership of Askham Bryan College. In July, the York-based college took over Newton Rigg from the University of Cumbria, announcing a 2.4m investment plan to restore it to its former position as a leading centre for further and higher education.

Mr Johnson is currently Acting Principal of Craven College, Skipton and takes over his new role in January 2012.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Johnson said: Im very much looking forward to stepping into what will be very large shoes. Im passionate about the countryside and keen to see Newton Rigg achieving its potential, and more.

If ever a county or a region deserved to be a centre of educational excellence it is Cumbria and the North West. There is such a strong heritage here for rural and agricultural studies in particular which we will re-establish.

These will be complemented by a wide range of degree and diploma subjects – from health studies and child care to sports and public services, and from engineering to equine which are already well underway. Newton Rigg is also running courses under the Skills for Working Life programme, equipping those with few or no formal qualifications who want to boost their knowledge.

Mr Johnson added: My particular aim is to enthuse and equip the leaders and workforce of tomorrow. There is a tremendous feeling of goodwill towards Newton Rigg and I intend to build on that, working with the local community, potential employers, local schools and organisations. Being part of the Askham Bryan family means we can re-establish the Newton Rigg identity whilst benefiting from the good practice and experience in York.

As well as the campus at Penrith, the College has a total of 1,068 acres across two farms. The plan is that over the coming months, these will be re-stocked and re-equipped to form a practical resource for students. In addition a rural research unit will be established in conjunction with the University of Cumbria.

For more information on Newton Rigg and the courses available, please see www.newtonrigg.ac.uk or call 01768 893400.

Mr Johnson: Background Information

Born into a Nottinghamshire farming family, Mr Johnson’s career began when he established a countryside maintenance contracting business operating in the county and Lincolnshire. Keen to boost his educational qualifications, he gained an HND in Rural Studies and Land Management but learnt the practical side by working on local farms, including stints of night lambing.

A love of education led him to begin teaching part time at Brackenhurst College, Nottinghamshire, before moving to North Lindsey College, Scunthorpe in 2000, becoming a Curriculum Area Manager. There he achieved his MA in Education and Training. Four years later in 2004, he became Teaching and Learning Standards Manager at Craven College in Skipton, ultimately being appointed Acting Principal in April this year. Mr Johnson has two sons and lives in the Forest of Bowland, Lancashire.

Askham Bryan College and Newton Rigg College.

One of the country’s foremost land-based colleges, Askham Bryan College provides education and training at all levels from introductory courses for school leavers up to honours degrees. Its main residential campus is at York and most recently it acquired Cumbrian-based Newton Rigg College from the University of Cumbria. A 2.4m investment programme for the Penrith site and to revitalise the farms is currently underway.

Askham Bryan also operates centres across Yorkshire in Guisborough, Bedale, Bradford, Harrogate, Scarborough, Thirsk and Wakefield. It was recently awarded the highest accolade (Outstanding) in the Ofsted report which examined its student welfare provision. (report dated March 2011)

The College has seen rapid growth in student numbers in recent years and currently has over 750 full-time students at York, and more than 200 students at Newton Rigg. Courses at Newton Rigg include, agriculture, adventure sport, equine, land based and motorsport engineering, childcare, health and social care, applied sciences, animal management, horticulture and countryside management as well as many more on work-based or part-time programmes.

For more information on Newton Rigg and the courses available, please see www.newtonrigg.ac.uk or call 01768 893400.