NEWS
Working Men’s College (WM College) in Camden announced the appointment of its new Principal, Dipa Ganguli OBE this week. Ms Ganguli, who has been the Principal at Sutton College for the last five years, will join the College as its new CEO and Principal this September.
Ms Ganguli has over 25 years experience in the adult education sector at Sutton College, Westminster Adult Education Service and Croydon Adult Learning, as well as being the Vice Chair of HOLEX, which is the lead professional body for the Adult Community Education sector. Having been a teacher herself, she specialised in teaching maths to adult learners and is passionate about increasing opportunities for adults through education and skills. She said: ‘I am delighted and honoured to be given the opportunity to lead the oldest surviving adult education institute in Europe. WM College’s rich history and foundations based on providing education for the ‘working’ community are at the heart of my own ethos. I am excited to bring my skills, experience, and commitment to make a real difference to the learners, staff and the community in Camden and the surrounding boroughs.”
Dipa was awarded an OBE for her services to adult education in January 2021. She has worked hard to address inequalities in education through her work as the Chair of the Fairness Commission in Sutton. The Commission focuses on ways to reduce hate crime, racial injustice and disability discrimination. She impressed governors with her stance on inequality and her work on embedding equity, diversity and inclusion as central tenets in her previous roles.
Chair of Governors Guy Shackle led the rigorous recruitment process, which culminated in Dipa’s appointment. He said: “ I am extremely pleased to welcome Dipa as our new Principal. She has a strong track record of successful work in the adult education sector. Her experience and her values gave the governing body confidence that she is the right leader for the College at this time. Her career demonstrates a commitment to the cause of adult education and a determination to challenge disadvantage and discrimination. She will continue the proud traditions of WM College – to maintain the courses and culture that reflect the mission of the College’s founders and to respond to government priorities. We look forward to her joining us in September.”
Ms Ganguli will replace the outgoing Acting Principal, former Deputy Principal Maria Rosenthal, who retires this summer. Mr Shackle added: “We would like to thank Maria for her hard work in leading the College for the last year and her many years of service as the Deputy Principal. She has maintained the high standards we have come to expect at WM College which will be continued under Dipa’s leadership.”
WM College has its main campus in Crowndale Rd in Camden and also in Kentish Town. It serves 6000 adult learners and has 10,000 enrolments each year. Many of its courses are discounted or free to increase access to more people. The College, which is funded by the Mayor of London, seeks to improve opportunities for adults and the community through the provision of education and skills.
