27/08/03 - Education Director Retires

This week, Cumbria County Council says goodbye and good luck to John Nellist, Corporate Director for Education. John is retiring after holding the post of Director since 1994. Since he entered the world of education, John has seen many changes in the education system including changes in funding arrangements, Ofsted Inspections and the emergence of specialist schools.   

John takes with him many memories from his long career. He says   

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as Education Director and have always been hugely enthusiastic about it. The post has been a challenging one and I have experienced many changes during my career. Education is developing rapidly; no 2 days are the same. It is both interesting and engaging. My successor faces an exciting and challenging time contributing significantly to developing the County Council's Corporate Strategy and its delivery and I wish her every success.   

I don't plan to stop working completely but I do plan to spend more time doing the things that I have probably neglected over the years. I will take away lots of good memories but probably the most strongest is the people who I work with, they are a highly committed workforce who I will miss immensely." 

County Councillor Joan Stocker, Cabinet Spokesperson for Education says   

"John will be a hard act to follow! He has led a very successful department by keeping it ahead with developments in Education. He has always given his time willingly to schools and Partnership organisations and fostered good relationships in the Education community in Cumbria. His energy, enthusiasm, warmth of personality and encouragement to others has made him an excellent officer to work with. I wish him well in his retirement when I am sure he will be kept very busy!"   

Louis Victory, Cumbria County Council's Chief Executive says   

"Not everyone who is a highly effective and successful manager is also a really likeable person and a valued colleague. John is all these things, and someone to whom the public, the County Council and my whole management team owe a considerable debt. I shall miss him greatly."