This month, Varndean College is saying goodbye to its longstanding Principal, Dr Phil Harland, who is taking up retirement after 14 years at the helm. Phil, who came to Varndean in 2006 having previously been Vice Principal at Luton College, took over the role from the late Alan Jenkins and has been the key player behind the College’s ever-growing success, as well as many new, exciting and valued developments on campus.
During his reign; not only has Phil ensured the students who study at Varndean are happy students, who flourish, are successful, and leave with fond memories of their time here; but also that the entire College works harmoniously together as a community. He can look back on a string of achievements; from the major development in 2013 of a second floor ‘loft extension’ housing a range of additional teaching rooms and an extensive Library and Careers Centre; a new fitness suite and changing facilities in 2012, to the recent £2.9m two-storey STEM Centre. He also masterminded the introduction of the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma in 2008, making Varndean College the only state-funded provider in the area.
The post of Principal will be taken over in September by current Vice-Principal, Donna-Marie Janson, the College’s first ever female Principal.
