Principal, Newcastle College
Jon Ridley
Jon joined Newcastle College's Principalship team in August 2016 and in 2021 he became Deputy Principal and a member of NCG Executive leading on higher education. He was appointed Principal of Newcastle College in 2024 and passionate about the power of education to transform lives, he continues to lead on NCG’s Higher Education Strategy to 2030.
About Jon
First in family to study at university, Jon knows first-hand the empowerment of a good education. He is passionate about colleges as place makers, working with communities, business, alumni, college staff and students to provide life changing opportunities for individuals that strengthen and shape the places they live and work.
Alongside his role as Principal of Newcastle College, Jon also leads on NCG’s Higher Education Strategy to 2030. In 2022 Jon led the achievement of a key strategic milestone when NCG achieved taught degree awarding powers on an indefinite basis. This means NCG is in the special position to combine the strength of a further education college with the power to confer degree awards.
Outside of his work at NCG he is the Vice Chair of Mixed Economy Group (MEG) and a member Association of Colleges (AoC) Higher Education Policy Group.
