FE News | New Deputy Principal at The Sheffield College and Peaks Campus staff team appointed

A Deputy Principal has been appointed at Sheffield College, with particular emphasis on the Peaks Campus, with responsibility for delivering the special educational needs and disability curriculum.

Sarah Le-Good MBE has 30 years’ experience in the continuing education sector and has a proven track record of success.

Sarah began her career as a social worker before training as a specialist teacher before moving into curriculum management and a variety of leadership roles.

Before joining The Sheffield College on 24 June 2024, Sarah was Head of Inclusion, Learning Support and Foundation Studies at Riverside College in Widnes.

Previously Sarah, who is now an Ofsted inspector, was Director of Inclusion at Derby College Group for nine years.

Her services to lifelong learning and to students with special educational needs and disabilities led to Sarah being awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours 2024.

A key part of her responsibilities is leading curriculum and staff development at Peaks Campus, where she will manage a newly established team.

38 new positions have been created at Peaks Campus in preparation for the next academic year, with the number of positions expected to more than double in the future.

New roles include leadership, curriculum, specialist support, safeguarding and general campus administration.

Sarah he said:

“I am passionate about working in the continuing education sector because it supports a diverse student body and has a huge impact on individuals, transforming their lives through learning.

“It’s great to be joining The Sheffield College at such a transformative time. My priority is to build on the good work that has already been done, ensuring that we deliver an innovative and inclusive curriculum that enables students to achieve, develop and succeed, whatever their starting point.”

The college is revamping its Peaks campus in partnership with Sheffield City Council to become a specialist centre for young people who require higher levels of support.

The new facility is scheduled to open in September 2024 and will provide long-term learning opportunities for approximately 300 students from across the city.

These places will provide additional space for students requiring high levels of support, rather than replacing any existing provision across the university.

The new facilities will include quiet spaces, a sensory room, a self-contained lounge, an accessible gym and shower rooms.

The plan to transform Peaks Campus into a specialist centre was developed based on feedback and discussions received through stakeholder consultations.

Consultations carried out by the university last year aimed to determine the future of the site and how it could best be used to meet the needs of the city.

Angela Foulkes CBE, Chief Executive and Headmistress of Sheffield Collegehe said:

“Sarah has a wealth of experience and an impressive track record in the continuing education sector.

“Sarah joins us at an exciting time as we expand our provision to enable more young people across the city with special educational needs and disabilities to achieve their potential. We are delighted to welcome Sarah to the college.”

The college also recently launched a new programme offering developed in partnership with stakeholders including carers, healthcare professionals and schools.

Bloom: Preparation for Adulthood at Sheffield College is for 16 to 24 year olds who have a range of support needs, learning difficulties or disabilities.

The Bloom curriculum, which will be delivered across the Hillsborough campus in Livesey Street and the Peaks campus in Waterthorpe Greenway from September 2024, will see greater engagement with community organisations and employers.

Photo credit: Joe Horner, translation: