2017 brings with it an exciting change for New College Worcester (NCW), a national independent non-maintained Special School for children and young people who are blind or visually impaired. A new Principal, Miss Nicki Ross, joins the College following the retirement at the end of 2016 of Mardy Smith OBE, who held the position for 13 years.

Miss Ross joins NCW from a comprehensive school for girls in Gloucester following 20 years at a small comprehensive where she progressed from teacher of Physical Education to Head Teacher. Her areas of responsibility have focussed on Teaching and Learning, Professional Development  and Strategic Vision.

Miss Ross said, “I am delighted to be taking over the position of Principal at New College Worcester. The College does such an important job in preparing these young people academically, socially and practically for their futures and it is a privilege to be part of that.”
“I am most excited firstly, to get to know the staff, students and systems of the College and secondly to really understand how we can move forward – both in terms of student progress and those other crucial areas that focus on the development of the whole child.”

2016 was the 150^th Anniversary of the College, which was founded in 1866 at The Commandery in Worcester, now a museum. Miss Ross added “I am really excited about the next chapter NCW’s journey, it is a great time to be getting involved as the College closes its 150^th Anniversary celebrations and looks to the future.”