Annual Admissions Conference 2018

John Widdowson began his career as a lawyer, but has worked in further and higher education for over 30 years, the last nineteen of which as Principal of New College Durham. The College was graded ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2009, and is lead sponsor for two academies in County Durham. In 2011, the college became one of the first two nationally to be granted foundation degree awarding powers by the Privy Council. John is Chair of the Mixed Economy Group of Colleges, and was President for the Association of Colleges from August 2015 to July 2016.

John has published papers and articles on a range of education subjects, and has spoken regularly at national and international conferences, focusing in recent years on the challenges of widening participation in higher education, and developing college-based higher education.

John was appointed CBE in June 2010 for services to further and higher education.