BCA principal says the college is a 'hidden treasure'

A former college pupil is putting his experience into practice as the new principal of BCA.

Steve Wain took the reins of what he calls 'Maidenhead's hidden treasure', in Hall Place, at the end of August.

The 45-year-old said: "I'm a very powerful advocate for colleges and what they can do for youngsters."

Despite experience as a senior manager and principal at FE and sixth form colleges across the south, he didn't know anything about BCA before visiting for an interview.

He said: "I was completely blown away with what I saw. The site itself was spectacular - the old and the new together, with the listed mansion house and ultra modern teaching buildings."

The 400-acre estate, with animal facilities and crops, recruits from across Berkshire, Bucks and London.

Steve said BCA is no longer an agricultural college but offers a wide range of vocational and academic courses. The principal believes a move away from traditional university education has made the college's fast-track courses popular for those concerned about funding.

He said: "There isn't a university in East Berkshire so we feel the need to help fill that gap. We want as many people in Maidenhead as possible to remain in Maidenhead post 16."