The Deputy Head of one of the largest academies in England has been named as the Principal of Plymouth's new University Technical College (UTC) specialising in marine engineering and advanced manufacturing.

Mary Cox, Director of Quality and Standards and Deputy Head of Northumberland Church of England Academy, will be UTC Plymouth's new Principal.

She will take up her new post in November this year so that she can oversee the massive £7.9m construction and renovation works needed to create the new school on the site of the former Parkside Community College in Devonport. She will also be responsible for recruiting the College's staff as well as its first 150 students.

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UTC Plymouth, the South West's first University Technical College, is set to open its doors in September 2013. It will be a new state-of-the-art college offering a dynamic and different learning experience for young people aged 14 to 19. While delivering core educational needs, it will also specialise in marine engineering and advanced manufacturing through a curriculum developed closely with local employers.

Young people will be able to enrol at UTC Plymouth from next month, ready for the first intake of Years 10 and 12 students in September 2013.

Mrs Cox has strong links to Plymouth having graduated from Plymouth University with a Degree in Psychology in 1985. She has over 21 years of experience in education, 14 of which were spent teaching in sixth forms.

Prior to her current role as Deputy Head, Mrs Cox was regional Diploma Coordinator for SSAT, as part of the Diploma Support Programme, which involved working with schools, colleges and universities. She has been a Consortium Adviser supporting four local authority areas to drive forward the 14 to 19 agenda and was a curriculum adviser for Stockton-on-Tees LA.

Mrs Cox said: "I am delighted to be involved in UTC Plymouth. After 21 years in education, I believe strongly in the concept of applied learning and the involvement of employers in bringing learning to life."

(CD)