Former Cornwall College Principal Awarded OBE for Services to Education

Former Cornwall College Group Principal recognised in King’s Birthday Honours

John Evans, the former Principal of Cornwall College Group, has been awarded an OBE for his services to Further Education in the King’s Birthday Honours List.

John played a key role in transforming Cornwall College Group (CCG), helping to set it on the path towards its current Outstanding Ofsted status. During his time in charge, he secured an Ofsted Good rating, oversaw the start of a major campus overhaul at Cornwall College Camborne, and led the construction of two new state-of-the-art buildings at Cornwall College St Austell.

He also helped take the Group to the top of the tables for student achievement rates nationwide.

“Nobody was going to get left behind”

Dr Patrick Newberry, Chair of the CCG Board of Governors, said the honour was well earned.

“It is hard to convey the incredible impact John had in shaping Cornwall College Group into the institution it is today. He was relentless in the pursuit of quality teaching outcomes for learners and had an uncompromising ambition for the Group,” he said.

Vice Chair Pat Wilde said she remembered her first meeting with John clearly.

“He said, ‘Never stop thinking about the learners’. And that sums him up – he was totally dedicated to achieving the highest quality experience for every learner at the College, on every campus and at every level,” she said.

“On his watch, nobody was going to get left behind. His commitment to that excellence drove Cornwall College Group forward at a pivotal point and laid the foundations for where we are today. His OBE, in recognition of a lifetime’s dedication to learners, is well deserved.”

A career spanning 35 years

John began his career in education 35 years ago, initially leading on the automotive provision at Bridgwater College. Before joining CCG, he also led significant changes at South Devon College, Swindon College and Yeovil College.

He left a lasting legacy at Cornwall College Group through a combination of leadership, vision and commitment to learners across Cornwall and beyond.