Di Dale, the principal and chief executive of Wiltshire College, has left the college.

She had been off sick for some time but staff were told today that she had departed.

A statement from Wiltshire College said: “Following a decision by the governors, Di Dale, principal and chief executive has left Wiltshire College.

"A new senior management team (SMT) is now in place under the leadership of acting principal Amanda Burnside.

"The focus of the SMT and all staff at the college is meeting the needs of all our learners and continuing to improve the student experience.

"Amanda joined the College in January 2014 from Swindon College, ranked by Ofsted as outstanding and has a wealth of experience from both the FE and private sector.

“The college is also delighted to announce the appointment of Iain Hatt who joins from Exeter College, also rated by Ofsted as outstanding as vice principal of curriculum and quality.”

Helen Birchenough, chairman of governors, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Di Dale for her hard work over many years at the college.

"I am very pleased that Amanda Burnside will be continuing as acting principal and I know that staff will continue to support Amanda with all her work in this position."

Recruitment arrangements for the permanent position of principal will be decided at a meeting in July.