Principal who shaped college changes is moving on

Mr Ashdown has been principal for five years and is standing down after spearheading negotiations for the new Bexhill College site at Penland Road, where work is due to begin next month.

He says his new job is a 'once in a lifetime offer' and is confident he will be leaving the college in a healthy state.

He added: "I've thoroughly enjoyed my time at Bexhill and will be sad to leave. There's no right time to leave but I believe I've learned and achieved a lot in my time here. It's a very exciting time for Bexhill and I wish my successor all the best."

Mr Ashdown plans to leave at the end of this academic year, depending on how quickly a new principal can be appointed.

The relocation project is well under way and the new college remains on target to open for the September 2004 intake.

Construction of the new all-weather pitch and road junction improvements have already started. The main contractors are expected to move onto the site in February.