THE principal of Lillyhall's University Technical College has resigned.

Gary Jones, who was appointed in 2013, said he has resigned due to "personal reasons".

The UTC, which opened in September 2014, will now be led on an interim basis by Vanessa Ray, current principal and chief executive of West Lakes Academy in Egremont.

Andrew Crowder, chairman of the board of governors, said: "The governing board undertakes a critical role in the management of the UTC, to ensure that the success of our students is our priority.

"We are focused on providing an excellent student experience, which we will continue throughout this transition period.

"We have acted swiftly in making this interim appointment, to ensure that the continuity of students’ experience is not compromised.

"Mrs Ray brings with her a wealth of leadership experience and a detailed knowledge of the educational aspirations of the area.

"The UTC’s senior leadership team, staff and Mrs Ray are fully committed to working together as a team to ensure UTC students’ success."

Mr Jones was appointed principal in 2013 and took up the post in September that year, preparing for the college's opening last autumn.

He had previously worked as vice-principal academic at Welbeck Defence Sixth Form College in Leicestershire before moving to West Cumbria with his wife Angela and two children.

His extensive career in technical-based education started with him teaching technology before making the move to managing technical faculties and schools.

Mrs Ray announced her retirement as principal of West Lakes Academy last year after 35 years of teaching and five years at the academy.

She previously worked at Harris Academy in Peckham, London.

Her career began in 1980 when she qualified as a business and ICT teacher and her first headship was in 1996 at Shenley Brook End School in Milton Keynes.

She spent 11 years there, making it the most successful school in the area with two 'outstanding' Ofsted inspections.

In 2004 she spent two terms at another school in the area, helping them out of special measures.