Sussex Downs College

Mike Hopkins, Principal and Chief Executive of Sussex Downs College, which has campuses in Eastbourne, Lewes and Newhaven, has announced his intention to retire in the Spring of 2018.

Mike said:

“On my arrival at Sussex Downs College in 2015, I made a commitment to staff, students and the wider community that I would fulfil a three-year tenure as Principal & Chief Executive at Sussex Downs College. With this commitment in mind, I have informed the Board of Governors that it remains my intention to retire from education soon after the proposed new college is formed."

“I believe much has been accomplished during my time at Sussex Downs College and while a potential merger between two large colleges will always present challenges, our College is in a good place to meet and overcome them,” Mike continued.

“Until my retirement next year, I will be working tirelessly with colleagues in Lewes, Eastbourne, Newhaven and Hastings with the utmost rigour and determination to achieve the first-class centre of learning that East Sussex deserves.”

Henry Ball, Chair of the Sussex Downs Corporation, praised the energy and commitment that Mike has brought to the College. He said: “We are extremely grateful to Mike for the fantastic contribution he has made to the College. He has created a new energy and positive sense of future in the College, and I know how committed he has become to the every aspect of college life.

“As such, we are delighted that he has agreed to help the College through the proposed merger with Sussex Coast College,” Mr Ball continued.

“Our current students will continue to benefit from his energy, drive and passion for ensuring that they achieve the best possible outcomes from their time at our college.”

The two colleges will make an announcement on the Principal and CEO designate role for the new college group within the next fortnight.