Brockenhurst College appoints new principal Helen Odhams after 'Polly' Perkins' sudden departure

A NEW Brockenhurst College principal and chief executive has been appointed following the sudden departure of her predecessor after less than two years.

Selected by governors, Sway resident Helen Odhams is due to join in May 2023 from Esher Sixth Form College in Surrey, where she is currently deputy principal.

This comes after former RAF Air Commodore SN Perkins – known as Polly – recently stepped down from the role. “Unforeseeable and unavoidable personal circumstances” were cited for this.

Air Cdre Perkins had started in the role on New Year’s Day 2021, replacing Di Roberts who stepped down after 14 years in the post.

She had recently been made a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for her work as deputy commander and chief of staff for British forces in Cyprus, and for more than 30 years’ service to the RAF.

As reported by the A&T at the time, Air Cdre Perkins said her career change was spurred by a wish to bring the skills she has learnt working in complex environments to education.

Since her recent resignation, the college has had an interim principal, Steve Wain, who remains in place until Helen begins work.

As designated Ofsted Lead at Esher, Helen was credited with being instrumental in it securing an 'outstanding' grade in a recent inspection.

She holds a BSc honours degree in physical education, sports science and geography from the University of Liverpool.

“Having worked in further education for the past 13 years, I genuinely believe that colleges offer the best opportunities for students to learn, develop and progress to the next stage,” Helen said.

“Brock is central to the wider community it serves, not only through the education it provides, but also through its links with employers.

“I intend to ensure Brock remains a college for the whole community by maintaining this strength and looking for opportunities to grow further.”

A lover of the local area, she spends her free time walking in the New Forest and visiting the coast for kayaking and paddleboarding.

Chair of governors Graham Beards said: “We immediately recognised Helen as an outstanding talent who has an unshakable belief in the pivotal importance of further education for both individuals and society as a whole.”

He added: “Former principal Polly Perkins stepped down from the role recently due to unforeseeable and unavoidable personal circumstances, and we wish her well.”