Sue Rimmer awarded for outstanding services to local and national Further Education

South Thames College is pleased to announce that Principal and Chief Executive Sue Rimmer has been awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) for services to local and national further education.

Sue Rimmer OBE, originally from Liverpool, is a Streatham resident with 27 years experience in further education representing the sector at a local, regional and national level. She has been the Principal of South Thames College for nine years and is an active member of several regional and national organisations including the National External Advisory Group for the SFA and YPLA, the Women’s Leadership Network and World Skills UK as well as previously holding the post of Chair of the Association of Colleges (AoC) London Region, speaking out on behalf of London colleges on a variety of issues.

Since Ms Rimmer has taken the helm at South Thames, the College has gone from strength to strength and is now recognised as ‘Good’ by Ofsted with many outstanding features. The College has also grown in size with five campuses across South West London and has undergone a fantastic redevelopment project at the Wandsworth and Merton campuses, delivering its mission of outstanding education and training that is innovative, enriches lives, builds prosperity and leads to successful careers.

Everyone at the College is immensely proud that Sue’s contribution has been recognised in this way, and congratulates her for this accolade which is a fantastic way to kick start the New Year and new term.

Sue Rimmer OBE said of the achievement:
“Further Education is an amazing sector to work in as it makes such a difference to the life chances of both young people and adults offering a real contribution to the local community. To have the work that you have done and the progress the College has made acknowledged in this way is a real honour and I feel very privileged.”

Sue is married to Andy Wilson, her married name is Mrs Jean Sue Wilson but she is known at South Thames as Principal Sue Rimmer. Sue was chair of the AOC London region from 2006-2009, LDA Board (Observer) 2006-2009, LSC External Advisory Group 2004-present, BLI Advisory Board 2007-2009, Women’s Leadership Network Steering Committee 2007-present, LSIS Council member 2009-present.  Sue is a ‘World Skills’ champion which helps to promote skills competitions both in the UK and internationally. In 2009 31 students from South Thames entered ‘World Skills UK’ competitions, the second highest entry rate in the country. Three students went on to win nationally. 

January 4, 2011