THE NEW principal at Pershore College has pledged to make sure the education it provides is ‘inclusive’ and caters for everyone.
College group WCG announced that Kate Hartshorn joined as the new interim campus principal to lead it into its next stage of growth following its merger with the former Evesham New College which closed in July.
Ms Hartshorn brings nearly three decades of experience across both public and private sectors, including further education colleges, and said she has a ‘deep commitment to ensuring education is inclusive, accessible, and tailored to meet the needs of every learner’.
Kate Hartshorn and WCG CEO Sara-Jane Watkins. Picture Lise Evans
She brings a strong experience in adult education, NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) engagement and provision for young people who’ve disengaged from mainstream school.
“At the heart of my work is a belief in social equality and opportunity, education should be a gateway, not a barrier. One of my strongest passions is ensuring that every learner, regardless of age or background, has access to an education that truly meets their needs.
“This is especially true for 14 to 16-year-olds, a group often underserved by traditional models,” she told the Observer.
Recently, she successfully led the development of a direct entry provision for this age group and plans to launch a similar initiative at Pershore College in September 2027.
“It’s about creating a nurturing, high-quality environment where younger learners can thrive,” she added.
Her family has a long-standing history in the horticulture sector, having run garden centres in Lincolnshire since 1780. She said that legacy is what fuels her passion to continue seeing Pershore College recognised nationally for its horticultural excellence.
One of her immediate priorities is ensuring a smooth and positive transition for learners coming from Evesham. “I want them to feel welcomed and inspired at Pershore, with access to high-quality teaching, learning, and assessment, as well as improved social and enrichment facilities.”
Looking ahead, she said she is focused on expanding our adult education offer to address the county’s skills shortages. “By developing targeted courses that meet employer needs, we can empower adult learners to upskill, reskill, and contribute meaningfully to the local economy,” said Ms Hartshorn.
“Pershore College is more than a place of learning, it’s a community. I’m committed to making sure every individual who walks through our doors feels valued, supported, and prepared for whatever comes next.”
Pershore, part of the WCG group of five further and higher education colleges across Worcestershire and Warwickshire, is expanding facilities to accommodate courses in digital art and design, motor vehicle studies, and land-based learning with the development of an on-site farm to complement the existing Animal Care and Veterinary Nursing Centre.
The new academic term started yesterday (August 4).
