Principal and CEO announces departure after 17 years of service

22nd June 2026

City College Norwich today announces that Principal and Chief Executive Officer, Jerry White, will be leaving the college after nearly 17 years of dedicated service to the college and its wider community.

Since joining the college in 2009, he has held a number of roles, including serving as Deputy Principal for nine years, and has played a pivotal role in strengthening the college’s position as a cornerstone of education, skills, and economic development across Norfolk and the surrounding region.

Since being appointed as Principal and CEO in August 2022, the college has consistently achieved Good Ofsted outcomes and delivered over £25m of capital investments across its campuses. These include landmark projects such as the Construction Skills Hub at the Ipswich Road campus and the Centre for Excellence for Sport at Easton College. In addition, the college proudly achieved College of Sanctuary status under his tenure as well as a Silver Award in Investors in Diversity and the Teaching Excellence Framework. 

Jerry has continued the work to develop the college group, which incorporates Paston College and Easton College as well as City College Norwich; colleges which between them educate around one third of all young people aged 16-18 in the county. Throughout this period, he has remained committed to ensuring that the college continues to transform lives through education and skills development.

Announcing his decision, Jerry said: "It has been the greatest honour of my professional life to serve this college and the Norfolk community. However, the time is right for me to pass on the baton. I am confident that the college is in a strong position - financially and academically —and ready for its next chapter under new leadership."

The decision comes as the college prepares to develop its next long-term strategic plan, ensuring that new leadership will be in place to help shape its direction beyond 2028.

Reflecting on his tenure, Jerry highlighted the collective achievements of staff and the profound impact their efforts have had on individual students, apprentices, and the wider Norfolk community. From navigating the challenges of that followed the Covid-19 pandemic to restoring the college’s financial strength allowing continued investment in facilities and people, he praised the dedication and resilience of the entire college community.

"The success of the college has always been about its people - staff, students, and partners - and their shared commitment to improving lives of people throughout our Norfolk community through learning," he added.

Marcus Bailey, Chair of the Corporation said: "On behalf of the Board and communities we serve, I want to thank Jerry for his dedication and commitment to our young people, adult learners and the wider population of Norfolk. He leaves the college ready for its next chapter, and we shall be grateful for his leadership over the past 17 years. We wish him well for his next endeavors.”

The Board of Governors will now begin the process of recruiting a successor. Further details regarding interim arrangements and the transition timeline will be announced in due course.

Jerry will remain in post until 31^st August 2026. He will then be undertaking work for the Association of Colleges (AoC) with a particular focus on supporting colleges across the country to engage with the national reforms of SEND system. As a national Centre for Excellence for SEND, the college is pleased to contribute to the work of the AoC and the wider college sector at this critical time.