It comes on top of the college’s director of finance being the current holder of the national Public Sector Finance Director of the Year title. In any circumstances these achievements would be considered outstanding.  In Hadlow College’s case they are nothing less than astonishing.

Just five years ago, Hadlow was a ‘failing’ institution.  Nearly bankrupt, it was threatened with closure, at best merger with another college. Backed by the board of governors, the new management team set about turning the college around.  Every member of the staff worked loyally and indefatigably and today Hadlow is recognised as the UK’s third-best land-based institution – and is determined to climb even higher. Student numbers have risen year-on-year for four years (this year: 24% in higher education, 17% in further education). Withdrawal statistics are way below the national average and success rates among the highest. Progression from further to higher education is at a record level.

While the college’s core raison d’etre is - and always will be – education, it has taken on board the need to regard itself as a business in the sense of determination to become increasingly self-financing. The Strategic Plan for 2007/10 was developed after consultation with stakeholders and results in the college being focused to fulfil the needs of its customers - whether they are students or commercial clients. It is this recognition that it is a customer-led organisation that is helping Hadlow to deliver cost effective solutions for an increasing number of businesses and organisations in the land-based sector whilst at the same time increasing its own commercial undertakings.