Janak Patel Appointed Principal at the Royal Forest of Dean College

The Network is delighted to announce that Janak Patel, currently Vice Principal at the Royal Forest of Dean College, has been appointed Principal to replace the current Principal, Dawn Ward OBE, when she leaves at the end of October to take up the leadership of Burton College.

Janak, who is a Black Leadership Initiative (BLI)-trained mentor and has participated on a number of Network programmes, joined the college in 2006 from South Birmingham College where he was Director of Higher Education & Diversity. Prior to that, he worked at Bournville College of FE, East Birmingham College and in the schools sector. A mathematician by background, Janak is a father of two and was born in India but brought up in Bolton, Lancashire.   

Commenting on his appointment, Janak said:

“I am delighted with the appointment and I look forward to continuing the close working relationship with our feeder schools and businesses to build on recent successes, for example, we achieved 52% A-B grades and 80% A-C grades at A level which is outstanding as are our vocational programmes. The Forest of Dean is a beautiful part of the country. The College is in the heart of the Forest and has a strong community ethos. Staff are dedicated to teaching and improving the learner experience and our students are proud of their College. I know I have a winning team”

The Royal Forest of Dean College has been a long-standing supporter of the work of the Network for Black Professionals and Janak intends to continue to support the Network in developing the next generation of leaders. The Network is delighted to note that in its 10th anniversary year, there are now 10 BME principals of further education colleges and a total of 13 BME college principals across the whole of the learning and skills sector.  

Janak’s advice to anybody aspiring to principalship includes:

• Remember your responsibility is to every learner and the community
• Be true to yourself and your values
• Promote social justice
• Develop a vision and a journey towards it
• Be excellent in everything you do

Alan Williams, Chairman of the Governors, said “I am confident that Janak will lead the college forward successfully, building on the work that has already been done to revitalise the College. He has a track record of effective and empowering leadership while keeping the learner at the heart of all he does”.

Dawn Ward OBE, who leaves the College to take up the Principal’s position at Burton College, adds “Janak is an excellent choice; he is passionate about the College, which has a huge amount of talent. He will bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm to his new role. I wish him well”.