THE chief executive of a further and higher education college that received a 99 per cent A level pass rate this summer is set to step down.

David Jones, 57, led Coleg Cambria through the merger of its Deeside and Yale sites in 2013 and following years of unprecedented success for the college. It has grown year on year, breaking its own academic records while contributing an estimated £400million to the north east Wales economy and employing more than 1,000 people.

Mr Jones’ leadership over two decades was rewarded in 2017 at the annual TES (formerly Times Educational Supplement) Awards, when he was named UK FE leader of the Year.

Coleg Cambria unveiled more than £60m of new buildings in the last three years which will continue with the completion of the £22m Yale redevelopment in central Wrexham in September 2020.

Mr Jones said he decided “with a heavy heart” to leave the college but looks forward to “the adventures that lie ahead”.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to lead Cambria having previously done the same at Deeside College, and we have achieved so much together. The academic side of the college is crucial, as are the many links we have with industry, but what’s most important for me is the care and support we give to students, staff and our local community.

“That’s what I’ve always been passionate about, and that’s why I – and everyone at Cambria – strives for better every year.

“I am so pleased that Estyn have recognised this through a series of sector-leading inspections. We’ve achieved this through amazing students, staff and governors, and I thank them all for their work and support.”

During the summer, Coleg Cambria students studying 26 subjects including English, chemistry, psychology, economics and history achieved 100 per cent A*-C grades. Six students gained entry to Oxford or Cambridge universities while 11 will progress on to degrees in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science.

Coleg Cambria is now set to develop a new Strategic Plan which for 2020 to 2025.

Mr Jones added: “There is still a lot of work to do, and I will be with the college until December, so there’s no time to sit back and reflect."

John Clutton, chair of governors at Coleg Cambria, paid tribute to Mr Jones, stating that "his legacy will be the outstanding success that students of the college have achieved locally, nationally and internationally during his tenure.”