Diana Bird Appointed Executive Principal at Leeds City College

New leadership aims to strengthen partnerships and opportunities

Leeds City College has appointed Diana Bird as its new Executive Principal, with her tenure beginning on 13 April 2026. Ms Bird takes over from Bill Jones, who has moved on to become CEO of Luminate Education Group.

Background and experience

Diana Bird joins Leeds City College from Shipley College, where she served as Principal and CEO. Her experience in further education leadership is expected to support the college’s ongoing development and engagement with the local community.

Vision for Leeds City College

Ms Bird has expressed a commitment to fostering strong partnerships that will benefit individuals, businesses, and communities through education and training. She emphasised the importance of creating an environment where staff feel valued, students feel a sense of belonging, and employers view the college as a reliable and ambitious partner.

• Focus on expanding opportunities for learners and local businesses
• Commitment to high-quality education and training outcomes
• Encouraging a positive and inclusive culture among staff and students

The college looks forward to working under Ms Bird’s leadership as it continues to serve the educational needs of Leeds and the surrounding areas.