Jo Terry-Marchant Announces Retirement as Principal

Highlands College Principal, Jo Terry-Marchant, has announced her retirement from her post after a successful career spanning more than 35 years in education and over a decade in senior leadership at the College. 

Born and educated in Jersey, Jo’s career reflects a lifelong commitment to learning and creating opportunity. After beginning her teaching career in London in 1992, she returned to the island to take up the role of Head of Faculty for English and Drama at Grainville School before joining Highlands College. She went on to hold various senior leadership roles in the College before becoming Principal April 2020. 

Since taking up the role, Jo has led the College through a period of significant change and challenge, including the Covid-19 pandemic, while maintaining a clear focus on inclusion, sustainability, creativity and innovation. Her leadership has been defined by a deep belief that every student, regardless of their starting point, should be supported to thrive. 

Under Jo’s leadership, Highlands College has continued to strengthen its role in supporting Jersey’s economic and social well-being, educating thousands of learners each year and working closely with employers, partners and the wider community to meet the island’s evolving skills needs. 

Highlands is a community college, building partnerships to achieve the best outcomes for Jersey. Jo’s vision has seen a strong commitment to putting the community first. Under her leadership the College has increased its engagement with parents, learners, employers and partners across the island, earning recognition and awards. Highlands works in partnership with more than 500 employers, ensuring education and training remain aligned to the needs of the economy and the community. 

Jo Terry-Marchant said: “It has been an absolute privilege to lead Highlands College and to work alongside such dedicated staff and inspiring students. Education has always been about breaking down barriers and creating opportunity, and I am immensely proud of what the College community has achieved together. I leave knowing Highlands is well placed for the future and will continue to change lives for the better.” 

Deputy Rob Ward, Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning said: “Jo Terry-Marchant’s contribution to education in Jersey has been exceptional. Her leadership of Highlands College has combined compassion with ambition, ensuring students are supported to succeed while the College continues to innovate and respond to the island’s needs. I would like to thank Jo for her dedication, professionalism and unwavering commitment to learners across Jersey, and I wish her every success in her next steps.” 

Jo will continue as Principal of Highlands College and University College Jersey until the end of the academic year. The recruitment process for the next Principal of Highlands College begins this week and any updates will be confirmed in due course.