NCG has announced the appointment of new college leaders across Southwark College, Carlisle College and Newcastle Sixth Form College, with all three appointments made from within the college group.

Scott Peasey has been appointed Principal of Southwark College, having previously served as Vice Principal, while Simon Ross moves to Carlisle College as Interim Principal and James Edge takes up the role of Interim Principal at Newcastle Sixth Form College.

The appointments reflect NCG's commitment to developing talent from within, creating opportunities for colleagues to progress into senior leadership positions and ensuring students continue to benefit from experienced leaders with a strong understanding of their college communities.

Together, the appointments demonstrate the strength of NCG's leadership pipeline and the organisation's continued investment in nurturing future leaders across the group.


Scott Peasey appointed Principal of Southwark College

At Southwark College, Scott Peasey has been appointed Principal after five years serving as Vice Principal, a role he has held since joining NCG in 2020.

With more than 25 years' experience in further education, Scott has held a range of leadership and management roles across colleges in London and the South East. Throughout his career, he has developed extensive expertise in curriculum leadership, quality improvement, learner experience and operational management.

Since joining Southwark College, Scott has played a key role in supporting the college's continued development, working closely with colleagues to strengthen provision, improve outcomes and ensure students receive the best possible learning experience.

His appointment reflects both his significant contribution to the college and NCG's commitment to supporting talented colleagues to progress into senior leadership roles.

Stepping into the role, Scott said: "I am delighted to be appointed Principal of Southwark College and to have the opportunity to lead a college that is so deeply committed to serving its students and community.

“Having spent the last five years as Vice Principal, I have seen first-hand the dedication, talent and ambition of our staff and students. Southwark College plays a vital role in helping people develop the skills, confidence and qualifications they need to achieve their goals, and I am proud to be part of that journey.

I am looking forward to working with colleagues, students and partners as we build on the college's strengths, continue to enhance the student experience and create even more opportunities for learners to succeed."


Carlisle College welcomes Interim Principal Simon Ross

Meanwhile, at Carlisle College, Simon Ross has been appointed Interim Principal at Carlisle College, following four years as Principal of Newcastle Sixth Form College.

Simon joined Newcastle Sixth Form College in 2016 and held several leadership positions before becoming Principal in 2022. During his tenure, he led the development and implementation of pastoral and curriculum strategies which contributed to significant improvements in student experience and outcomes.

Before joining NCG, Simon held senior positions in secondary schools in Reading, Oxford and Newcastle upon Tyne. He moves to Carlisle with more than a decade of senior leadership experience within NCG and a long-standing commitment to ensuring students benefit from inclusive, aspirational education that enables them to achieve their full potential.

Alongside his work in education, Simon serves as a trustee for a number of organisations, including a regional Multi Academy Trust, the Lighthouse Project in Byker and the Santander UK Foundation.

"I'm delighted to be joining Carlisle College and look forward to working with colleagues, students and partners across the region,” says Simon.

"Throughout my career I have been passionate about creating inclusive and aspirational learning environments where every student can thrive. Carlisle College has a strong reputation, and I am excited to build on that success as we prepare for the new academic year."


James Edge appointed Interim Principal of Newcastle Sixth Form College

The third appointment sees James Edge appointed Interim Principal of Newcastle Sixth Form College, having previously served as Assistant Principal at Newcastle College.

James joined Newcastle College in 2014 as an Aviation Lecturer before progressing through a series of academic and leadership roles. During his career at the college, he has led curriculum areas including the Rail and Civil Engineering Academy and the Automotive Academy, before becoming Director of Health, Science and Welfare.

In 2023, James was appointed Assistant Principal, taking responsibility for key areas including English and Maths, Apprenticeships and Estates. He has built a strong reputation for educational leadership, driving continuous improvement and maintaining a clear focus on student achievement and progression.

James commented: "Since joining NCG in 2014, I have benefited from a wide range of development and progression opportunities which have enabled me to grow as a leader and take on a variety of roles across curriculum and college leadership.

"I am honoured to take on the role of Interim Principal at Newcastle Sixth Form College and look forward to working with colleagues to build on the college's strengths, supporting young people to achieve exceptional outcomes and progress to ambitious destinations."

A commitment to developing strong leadership

Commenting on the appointments, Liz Bromley, CEO of NCG said: “I am delighted to confirm Scott's appointment as Principal of Southwark College, alongside the interim appointments of Simon and James at Carlisle College and Newcastle Sixth Form College.

"All three colleagues have already made a significant contribution to NCG and these appointments demonstrate the strength of talent that exists across our organisation.

"Developing our own people and creating clear pathways into leadership is a key part of our strategy and our People Plan. We are committed to investing in colleagues at every stage of their careers, and it is particularly pleasing to see experienced leaders progressing into these roles from within NCG.

"Scott, Simon and James bring a wealth of expertise, a deep understanding of our values and college communities, and an unwavering commitment to student success. I look forward to working closely with them as they lead their colleges into the new academic year."


The appointments further strengthen NCG's leadership team as the group continues to deliver high-quality education, skills and training opportunities to learners across the UK.