THE head of Scotland's largest college is to step down from the role next year.
Mandy Exley, principal of Edinburgh College, has told staff she will leave the post in June after leading the 2012 merger of the institution from three former colleges in the capital.
Since the merger staff have been out on strike over pay and there is ongoing concern over the lack of progress in uniting terms and conditions of staff from the original colleges.
In a statement to staff, Ms Exley said the time was right for her to take up a new venture. She said: "I am developing different business interests, including some non-executive director roles and plan to fulfil my long held desire to work in international developments.
"These first two years of building Edinburgh College have been challenging yet extremely rewarding.
"I am particularly proud of the success of our students, the wide range of national awards they have won and the high level of student achievement."
However, there was concern from staff that she was leaving at a time when the college significant funding cuts.
Some questioned whether she would be given a substantial pay-off when other staff may be forced to leave through redundancy.
A spokesman for the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS), which represents Scotland's teachers and incorporates the Further Education Lecturers' Association, said: "While the departing principal and lecturing staff have not always seen eye-to-eye, and have had considerable differences on a number of issues, we would like to wish Ms Exley all the best in her future career.
"The EIS, and lecturing staff at Edinburgh College, remain committed to delivering a learning environment that can ensure a high-quality experience for all students."
Ian McKay, chairman of the board at Edinburgh College, said:"Mandy has led us through these formative years culminating in the college receiving the highest rating possible in its inspection by Education Scotland earlier this year."
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