From Learner to Leader: Simon Brown Bids Farewell After Two Decades of Supporting Chichester College Group Students

A former student who embarked on an inspired education journey to become a Director at Chichester College Group is moving on to the next exciting chapter in his career.

Simon Brown, Director of SEND and Additional Learning Support, will leave the Group in November to take up the role of Director of Inclusive Learning at South Thames Colleges Group.

Last month, Simon attended the National SEND Awards in Coventry where the Group was awarded the Best Use of External Special Needs Professionals award.

The award highlights the work that staff do day in and day out, which goes above and beyond to support a wide range of students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

A former Chichester College student whose connection with the Group began as a teenager helping to mark exam papers alongside his father, Simon’s journey from learner to senior leader is an inspiring example of dedication, progression and commitment to supporting students.

As he prepares to move to his new role, Simon said: “It has been an honour to work with you all – the college learners and the experiences I have had here will always remain with me.”

It was back in 1998 that Simon first worked for the group as a 16-year-old, helping to mark elementary exam papers, working alongside his Dad, who was Head of International at the time.

In 2004, Simon took a temporary job as a Dyslexia Administrator on a two-week contract. He then took a role as a Learning Support Assistant for a year and worked as an EFL teacher in the evenings, teaching ESOL classes.

He went on to become an Instructor in IT and Key Skills, covering a maternity post which then led to a job as an instructor in the Outreach Centres.  Then he became a Lecturer in Additional Support, which also led to working as an Exam Assessor.

After this, Simon became the Deputy Head of Additional Support and Welfare, followed by the Head of ALS and Welfare for Chichester College, Brinsbury College and Worthing College, which led to his most recent role as Director of SEND and ALS.

He said: “I have always held close to my heart the Core Values of our College Group, in particular, providing opportunities for all. This has always been the most important aspect for me, as this is the beauty of Further Education.”

Among his proudest achievements, Simon added: “I am most proud of the development of the Additional Support departments and the focus on developing staff specialisms and areas of expertise in relation to SEND.  

“The variety and breadth of offer we provide to learners with additional needs is exemplary and is unmatched at any other college I have visited.”

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