A Lasting Legacy: Worthing College Head of Learning Steps Down After 19 Years

Reflecting on a 30-year teaching career, a long-serving member of staff at Worthing College said he felt privileged to have spent 19 years with “such an amazing group of dedicated teachers and support staff.”

Colin Illsley, who works as one of the college’s Heads of Learning, will step down at the end of July following a career that has taken him across the globe – from coaching soccer in America to teaching in Spain and Saudi Arabia – before finding a lasting home at Worthing College.

Colin completed a sports degree and went on to spend several years in America. It was while he was in Australia, during three years of traveling, that he decided to return to England to train as a PE teacher.

“From then on, I haven’t looked back,” he said. “And whilst teaching is tough, I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my working career. It’s taken me from regular state schools in England, to international schools in Spain and Saudi Arabia and eventually a 19-year career at Worthing College.”

Some of the highlights of Colin’s career, include:

• Taking soccer teams on tour to America, Syria, Egypt and Kuwait

• Being awarded a research scholarship to travel to America to compare UK and US PE curricula
• Delivering sports coaching professional development at conferences in Istanbul, Lisbon and Bangkok
• Getting an Outstanding Ofsted report for Worthing College in 2020

Colin, who plans on travelling when he retires along with going to the gym, some voluntary work and a bit of DIY, added: “I need to thank the staff and students at Worthing College for their support, encouragement, commitment and resilience. 

“Before I came to teach at Worthing, I had moved around quite a bit. And while I expected to settle down with my family, I never imagined being in the same educational institution for 19 years. But it is testament to the ethos and culture of the college that I have remained and thrived. 

“At times, I think I have been lucky. But, as they say, you make your own luck. However, I feel privileged and lucky to have spent 19 years here with such an amazing group of dedicated teachers and support staff.”

Jenny Thompson, Vice-Principal of Worthing College, said: “I have had the privilege of line managing Colin for the last 20 years and have seen first-hand the huge contribution he has made to Worthing College and to the many students and colleagues he has worked with over the years.

“His passion for sport and education, his commitment to students and his willingness to share his expertise have left a lasting legacy. Alongside his many achievements, Colin has always brought humour, perspective and a genuine care for others, which have made him a valued colleague and friend.”

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