James Ward to join the Morley staff team

Morley College London is pleased to announce the appointment of James Ward to the permanent role of Vice Principal (HE) and Centre Principal (Chelsea Centre for Creative Industries).

James is currently Head of School for the Cambridge School of Creative Industries at Anglia Ruskin University. Prior to this, he was Deputy Dean at Ravensbourne University London, a key partner in Morley’s Higher Education strategy.

James is currently a member of the college’s Governing Body, and will step down as a governor before taking up his new role as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Dr Andrew Gower, Principal and CEO of Morley College London, said: “As an Institute of Adult Learning, Morley’s Higher Education offers a distinctive and growing range of learning opportunities that are vital in enabling students, at every age and stage of life, to achieve their ambitions in life and work.

“As an experienced leader of Higher Education, and a specialist in the Creative Arts and Industries, we are delighted James will be continuing his association with the College, now as a member of the Senior Leadership Team. His appointment signals the start of an exciting new phase of growth, in expanding the transformative impact of lifelong learning through Higher Education, here at Morley College London.”

James Ward said: “I have known and admired Morley College London and the provision at the Chelsea Centre for some years. So I am truly excited to be given this opportunity to work closely as part of the staff team, to build on the great work to date, and to focus on the long-term vision for the College in support of our students’ and communities’ aspirations.”

James will join the organisation over the summer of 2024 in readiness for the start of the 2024/25 academic year.

Until this time – and with outgoing Centre Principal Matias Shortcook leaving on 22 April – current Head of Art Maggie Hall will step up as interim Centre Principal and college lead for Higher Education, with Programme Area Manager Alex Gifford taking up Maggie’s role as Head of Art on an interim basis.