Steve Frampton, principal of Portsmouth College, will be the next president of the Association of Colleges (AoC).

He will take over from current president, York College principal Alison Birkinshaw, on 1 August.

Mr Frampton has been principal at the sixth-form college since 2005. He has also served as director of several local community charities, including Business South and PiTC, the community arm of Portsmouth Football Club. Mr Frampton was awarded a MBE for services to education in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours 2017.

‘Impressive legacy’

“I am truly honoured and grateful to be given the opportunity to be the next president of AoC - it is an organisation that delivers so much value to the FE sector,” he said.

“I would like to acknowledge the excellent work Alison has done this year, building on the amazing work Ian did previously. I am aware I have an impressive legacy to uphold but will strive to carry on the brilliant work of previous presidents.”

Chief executive David Hughes said: “Steve’s extensive range of experience, his enthusiasm and the skills he has learned over 39 years in our sector will have massive benefits for the FE community over the next year.”