The principal of City College Norwich, Dick Palmer, has left his job to take up a new education post in Norfolk.

Mr Palmer, who has led the college for nine years, left his role as principal to head a new education body called Transforming Education in Norfolk (TEN Group).

The group will oversee City College, City Academy, Wayland Academy and the new Norfolk University Technical College (UTC).

The colleges and two academies want to work closer through the group, by sharing more of their services.

Mr Palmer became the group's chief executive officer on Wednesday, but will stay on as a governor at the college.

Deputy principal of curriculum, Corrienne Peasgood, will become acting principal.

On Twitter Mr Palmer posted: 'Really excited about new Group CEO role – lots to do + a wonderful opportunity to raise entrepreneurship x-educational sectors in Norfolk.'

Mr Palmer's departure comes weeks after he announced plans for the college to expand in the city centre with a new base at Norfolk House in Exchange Street.

The college wants to base all its higher education courses at St Andrews House and Norfolk House, creating a city centre campus for students. It is thought 600 students would use the new Norfolk House base, with about 240 students on site at any one time.

Under Mr Palmer's leadership the college opened the centre at St Andrews House and during his time at the college students' success rates rose by 22pc.

In 2010, Mr Palmer was named principal of the year and the college was awarded the Queen's anniversary prize for higher and further education in 2009.

There are currently 1,500 full and part-time students completing higher education courses with City College.