LIPA Sixth Form College appoints principal after decade-long leader’s retirement

EDWARD PINNER is to take over as principal of LIPA Sixth Form College on September 1 after the departure of 10-year-long head CHARLES BARTHOLOMEW.

Pinner, who has worked at the school in various roles for the last eight years, succeeds Bartholomew in a moment of significant change at the college.

LIPA Sixth Form College has recently been facing allegations of “unstable leadership”, levelled at it by the Department for Education (DfE).

The DfE has demanded it make “rapid and sustainable improvement”. The college today revealed 97% of its A-level pupils had achieved grades at A* to B.

Pinner told Arts Professional the college was “a truly remarkable place to work – no two days the same”.

“As a specialist performing arts college, we are unique in the North West,” Pinner said. “Our students are incredibly dedicated and want to get the most from their training at the college, as performers, or in backstage or offstage roles.”

He went on: “Charles Bartholomew, who served as principal of the college since its founding ten years ago, has established an extraordinary college, and as Charles takes his well-deserved retirement, I’m really excited for the opportunity to help steer the college toward its continued success.”

Pinner trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, going on to perform in theatre, film, television, and audio. He has taught at college and university level, and is currently completing a book for aspiring young actors for Methuen Drama.