Newcastle & Stafford Colleges Group Announces New Principal and Chief Executive

Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) has announced the appointment of Shelley Brown as Principal and Chief Executive. Shelley will step-up from her current position as Deputy Principal with effect from 01 January 2027, as current Principal and Chief Executive Craig Hodgson retires at the end of this year.

Following a two-day recruitment process, the interview panel recommended to the governors that Shelley Brown be appointed to the role, a decision that was endorsed by all members of the Corporation Board.

Simon Leech, Chair of Governors, commented: “Thank you to everyone involved in this rigorous selection process. It is a testament to NSCG’s internal strength that our next Principal and Chief Executive is one of our own. Over her 23-year tenure, Shelley has built exceptional relationships with our staff, students, and partners. Craig sets a remarkably high bar, but Shelley possesses the proven leadership and expertise to ensure NSCG remains one of the top-performing general further education colleges in the country. We are excited for the future and wish her every success in her new role.”

Shelley brings a wealth of experience and an unwavering passion for NSCG to the position. She has a BSc and an MSc in Sport & Exercise Science from Manchester Metropolitan University, a Certificate in Education and has also completed the Chartered Institute for FE’s Technical Leadership Programme for Future Principals.  Having joined the old Newcastle-under-Lyme College as an hourly-paid Lecturer in 2003, she has since held numerous management roles at different levels within the Ofsted Outstanding NSCG, most recently that of Deputy Principal for the organisation, which boasts 12,000 learners and a £58M income.

Commenting on her appointment Shelley said: “Further education has the unique power to transform lives and after a career dedicated to the sector, that is still what drives me every day. I feel incredibly proud and privileged to take on the leadership of NSCG.  Following in Craig’s footsteps is an honour, and I want to thank him for his exceptional leadership. NSCG is a genuinely special place and I look forward to continuing to work alongside our brilliant staff and partners to keep delivering the outstanding education and opportunities our region deserves”.

Craig Hodgson added: “I have loved every minute of my time at NSCG and feel incredibly lucky to have worked alongside such fantastic learners and a truly amazing staff team. I am absolutely delighted to hand over the reins to Shelley. Having worked closely with her for the last 23 years, I know first-hand her sector expertise and her relentless drive to achieve the absolute best for our students. She is exactly the right person to take the College forward, and I wish her every success in her new role.”