West Cheshire College deputy principal Penny Horsefield resigns

Feb 10 2011 Chester Chronicle

THE deputy principal of West Cheshire College has resigned from her post.

Last October the college acknowledged Penny Horsefield was absent from the Further Education college, which has bases in Handbridge and Ellesmere Port, but refused to disclose any details.

Principal Sara Mogel informed staff of her resignation in a statement which read: “Penny Horsefield, deputy principal, decided to give up full time work after Christmas to develop other interests outside the college. I am sure you all join us in wishing her all the best in the future.”

As late as Monday of this week The Chronicle was still being told Mrs Horsefield was “currently absent from college” having denied last week she had resigned.

Mrs Horsefield, of Queens Park, Chester, who does not wish to comment on her case, was asked why the college was not prepared to reveal her resignation.

She responded: “You’ve known the college for a long time!”

Principal Mrs Mogel explained that she had been protecting an employee’s confidentiality. She said: “I had promised someone I would not announce it until today. I was trying to respect the privacy of an employee.”

Mrs Horsefield was the driver behind the college’s £65m redevelopment of its Handbridge and Ellesmere Port campuses.

Due to be handed over tomorrow, Friday, the Chester base is a state-of-the-art 6,000sq m facility for science, engineering, manufacturing, logistics and construction. In Ellesmere Port, work is ongoing to create a 19,500sq m building for subjects including hairdressing and beauty therapy, hospitality and catering and performing arts.

It also includes a Higher Education Centre where students can take courses endorsed by the University of Chester.