Making sure students can find full- time work, apprenticeships or further learning is a top priority for the new principal of Great Yarmouth College.

Stuart Rimmer, who took the reins at the college this month, said every student must leave with the skills and qualifications they need – and the skills employers need – including maths and English.

Speaking at the end-of-term staff meeting, he said: 'All students must have a clear, planned, focused and secure progression and all students should develop resilience, wellbeing and character while they're at GYC to set them up for a life in the workplace.'

Mr Rimmer took over at the college, which has an Ofsted rating of 'good', on July 1 with a mission to take it to 'outstanding', maintaining its success rates in the top 10 per cent of colleges in the country.

He thanked the staff for their hard work through 'a difficult but successful year.'

To achieve a 'great college for Great Yarmouth', the priorities were to focus on outstanding teaching and learning and work closely with employers to shape the curriculum, he said.

'Our learners need real work experience and live projects as well as improving advice and guidance.'

The college's £6m investment in new buildings was on target with a new 'learning street' due to be complete in September, with eight new classrooms, five IT rooms, staff- rooms and blended and informal learning spaces.

Remodelling of other blocks should be completed by September 2015, bringing the main campus up to the standard of the Engineering and Construction Centre on the West Campus.

Mr Rimmer said to achieve a 'really great college', managers, teaching and support staff would be developed to enhance their leadership skills and expertise. But progression for students was paramount.

'Our challenge as a college moving from good to great will be having a real local impact,' he said.

'We want the local community to know that we are open for business and we encourage any local employer that wants to work with GYC to get in touch to begin the conversation.'

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