Who we are
We believe that every student should be able to achieve their aspirations, whatever their background or abilities. That’s why we offer a uniquely broad range of choices across our four campuses, from the highest quality academic teaching to the latest vocational and technical training.
Pioneering, positive and progressive, we’re constantly evolving our teaching and expanding our excellent industry connections, in a welcoming community where everyone is empowered and supported to achieve their very best.
Working together, we dream bigger and go further for every student.
Vision
The college of choice for the city of Portsmouth region
Mission
Shaping our city's future by unlocking the potential of its learners
Strategic goals
- Inspirational, aspirational and inclusive place to work and learn
- Responsive and relevant curriculum offer
- High quality teaching, learning and assessment
- Trusted partner for the communities we serve
- Stabilised and sustainable finances
Plus, three enabling themes:
1. Embrace digital technology in all we do
2. A beacon of sustainability best practice
3. Consolidation before expansion
Values
Be Collaborative
Be Aspirational
Be Respectful
Be Empowering
Be Supportive
Downloads
Strategic Plan 2022-2026 (PDF)
Strategic Plan 2022-2026 – ACCESSIBLE VERSION (PDF)
COPC Skills Plan and Accountability Statement 2023 (PDF)
You can find out more about educational establishments across the UK here:
Get Information about Schools - GOV.UK
Executive Leadership Team
Katy Quinn, Principal and CEO
Katy joined the team in June 2022, bringing with her more than 25 years’ experience of working within further education, including 15 years at a senior level, working with several of the south’s leading colleges.
She was previously Principal and CEO of Strode College in Somerset, where she oversaw the implementation of T levels in 2020 and led significant growth.
Katy’s experience covers both vocational and technical education, as well as A Levels and T Levels. She has successfully led a large apprenticeship provision, opened new learning campuses and overseen a wide range of capital development and improvement projects.
She is currently a trustee at the awarding and assessment organisation VTCT and a member of the Association of Colleges’ Curriculum Development Policy group. She has also been a Chair of Governors for a secondary school, a representative for FE on the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership’s Skills Advisory Panel, a business coach and a member of the Education and Training Foundations Technical steering group. She loves travelling, cooking and spending time with her family and friends.
Matt Phelps, Deputy CEO and Deputy Principal Curriculum & Quality
Matt joined the College in April 2022 following a 20-year career in the further education sector, including senior roles at Eastleigh College and Abingdon & Witney College.
Throughout his career, he has worked closely with local, regional and national stakeholders to drive learner number growth, financial health and quality improvement.
He has acted as a non-executive director for several commercial organisations, as a trustee for a multi academy trust and he’s an active board member on several advisory panels that influence and shape educational policy regionally.
Matt enjoys playing football, training at the gym and spending quality time with his family.
Maria Vetrone, Chief Operating Officer
Maria joined the College as Chief Finance Officer in December 2021, becoming Chief Operating Officer three months later.
An experienced strategic leader, she’s held senior leadership roles at North East Surrey College of Technology (NESCOT), Kingston University and at leading accountancy firms KPMG and PwC. She also founded and led Kingston City Group, a professional services company delivering audit, risk management and governance services to the Higher Education sector.
She’s also previously been a governor and Chair of Audit Committee at West London College and at NESCOT as well as being a co-opted member of the Audit Committee at the London Institute of Banking and Finance.
Maria holds a professional chartered accountancy qualification from the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA). She enjoys long distance running and playing football as well as being a mad Abba fan!
