A NEW principal has been appointed at Askham Bryan College following a sharp rise in student numbers and the construction of several new centres.

The agricultural college, which offers degree courses, diplomas and apprenticeships, has hired Dr Tim Whitaker to take the reins at the Yorkshire sites, including the main campus in York.

Dr Whitaker, who boasts more than 20 years’ experience in land-based education, was previously Head of Higher Education at Duchy College, Cornwall, and has a wealth of research expertise.

He said: “I am very much enjoying my role at Askham Bryan College, particularly as the campus continues to develop, the next stage being the opening of our new animal management centre and wildlife park.”

The college is currently mid-way through a £34 million building project at the York campus, which was unveiled in September 2013 and also includes construction of new equine facilities and student residential accommodation.

Major investments at sites in the North East are also in the pipeline, and a £3 million project at Askham’s Newton Rigg College, in Cumbria, is nearing completion.

Liz Philip, Executive Principal and Chief Executive of Askham Bryan, said: “Our long term vision is to not only provide the best education possible, but also to have first class facilities for our students which match that.”

Along with the flagship centre in York, other regional centres include Harrogate, Thirsk and Guisborough.

Dr Whitaker, who is married to Clare and has three children, added: “I see the College as the link between rural and urban communities and providing a good student experience is a key part of that.”

Over the past seven years, new campuses have been established in the North East and other parts of Yorkshire, including Scarborough and Bradford.

The college is one of the fastest-growing in the UK and currently tutors around 4,500 students, with an annual turnover of £30 million.