CRAVEN College has appointed Anita Lall as its new principal and chief executive.

Mrs Lall, who joined the Skipton-based college in early 2020, has been acting principal and chief executive for the last 15 months and follows Lindsey Johnson into the role.

A champion for girls and women in STEM subjects, and a director of Skipton Business Improvement District (BID), Mrs Lall said she felt privileged and honoured at her appointment.

"I have a huge belief in the college and the significant role it plays at the heart of its communities," she said.

“My focus, as always, remains fully on the college and everyone connected to it, and I am completely committed to improving outcomes for all. “I am incredibly proud of the work that the staff and college do in supporting students to achieve the practical skills and knowledge that prepares them for specific careers and industries.”

Mrs Lall , who was chosen following a rigorous selection process by the governors, supported by outside further education representatives, becomes principal just after Ofsted marked the college as 'requiring improvement'.

Dr Alison Birkinshaw, chair of governors said “After a gruelling two-day selection process, Anita came through as the strongest candidate and the governing body is confident that she is the right person to take Craven College from strength to strength. We know the college will remain at the centre of the communities it serves, and Anita, with the support of all the staff, will ensure that the quality of the student experience remains paramount.”

Graduating from Leicester University with a BSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences, Mrs Lall started her career as a research scientist specialising in childhood cancers, a subject she has given presentations on at both national and international conferences.

She has always been a passionate advocate for women and girls in Science, Technology, Engineering Mathematics (STEM) and following a part-time lecturing role, she went in to teaching full-time.

For the last 17 years she has been in further education in management roles leading diverse, multi-disciplinary teams that have won awards and accolades for innovation in teaching, learning and assessment, and employer engagement.

Proud of her Indian heritage, she says she is passionate about inclusivity and diversity and is conscious of the positive impact she can have and will continue to be an advocate for all students to maximise their educational experience.

Mrs Lall is chair of the Yorkshire and Humber Institute of Technology, is also vice chair of the Cambridge Awarding Validating Agency and a director and board member of Skipton BID.

Her predecessor, Lindsey Johnson, joined the college in 2020 and left last year after being absent for some months.