Cirencester College has confirmed the appointment of its new principal and chief executive.

Matt Reynolds has been serving as interim principal for the last seven months and took up his new position on January 1.

Matt has been a member of staff at Cirencester College for the last 18 years, starting as a lecturer of archaeology and progressing to vice principal. Throughout his career, he has taught a wide range of A Level, vocational and technical subjects.

He has had a key role in several successful initiatives, including developing T Levels with the Department for Education, leading the introduction of T Levels at Cirencester and the reformation of the Level 2 system, which won the coveted 2022 SCFA National Award for Curriculum Innovation.

Matt said: "It is a great honour to be the new principal of Cirencester College. I have over 30 years' experience in education and have spent the last 18 of those at Cirencester College, working from teacher to course leader, department head to faculty head and then vice principal.

"In that time, I've taught from entry to degree level through over 20 different subjects. The last five years of my career have been grounded in the development of curriculum and educational reform, driving us on to being rightfully recognised both regionally and nationally as pioneers and trend setters of modern sixth form education.

"My strategic focus is on building the future-ready curriculum, technological integration, expanding strong industry partnerships, innovating student-centred positive reforms and encouraging sector research that leads to genuine positive outcomes for our learners.

"We are exceptional as a college family. I'm very proud to be a part of it and thrilled to be leading us at such an exciting time for education."

Fiona Galbraith, chair of governors, said: "I am delighted that Matt has been appointed principal of the college. This appointment was made following an open competition which attracted a great deal of interest across the country, reflecting the high reputation this college now enjoys.

"He is undoubtedly the right person to take us forward. I am excited by the vision Matt has for Cirencester College and I look forward to this new chapter."