This week, the FE community paid tribute to Garry Phillips, the former principal of City College Plymouth and Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College, who passed away shortly before Christmas. 

Former colleague Dawn Ward, principal of Burton and South Derbyshire College, said that Phillips’ boyish charm and humour made him instantly likeable.

“He was always bright, cheerful, with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, always eager to learn and improve himself and those around him. For the time we worked together and for all that he did for the college‘s learners, I will be eternally grateful,” she said. 

David Hughes, chief executive of the Association of Colleges, said: “Garry’s death is a great shock and very sad indeed. I last spoke to him in December about his future plans and my thoughts are now with his family. He started his career as an apprentice and took on a series of challenges in colleges in the North West and Midlands. He was always keen to make a difference and to improve the world.”

Penny Wycherley, principal of City College Plymouth, added: “It is with great sadness that we heard that Garry Phillips has tragically and unexpectedly passed away. Garry’s family have asked that their grief and privacy will be respected at this time.”