An interim principal and chief executive has been appointed for the City of Bristol College while it searches for someone to take the role on permanently.
The college's vice-principal for finance and professional services Richard Harris is due to step into the top role.
The college is restarting its search for a permanent new principal and chief executive after the man who had accepted the role, Palvinder Singh, decided it was "not right".
Lee Probert had been in the top job for more than three years, but revealed he was stepping down earlier this year to enable him to to join York College
Explaining why he has pulled out, Mr Singh said: “It became apparent during the period preparing to take up the role that this particular opportunity was not right for me nor I for it.”
Mr Singh - currently Kidderminster College’s deputy principal for finance, planning and development - outlined the personal reasons for his decision.
He said he underestimated the challenge of moving his family away from a “brilliantly supportive community”.
He added: “This has been a difficult decision and not something that I have come to lightly. I have enjoyed and valued meeting so many staff and students at City of Bristol College.
“I wish the college every success in the next part of their journey and I will be cheering them along to continue in the excellent work they are all doing.”
City of Bristol College Corporation chairman Peter Rilett said the board of governors respected Mr Singh’s decision and wished him well.
Mr Rilett also paid tribute to the work done by Mr Probert since joining from Hull College Group in January 2016.
“After three-and-a-half years at the helm he will leave behind a transformed organisation and a competent team of 900 staff led by focused strategic leadership team who are all collectively committed to their students’ success and the city.”
Before a permanent replacement is found, Richard Harris will step into the role on an interim basis from early June. Mr Harris is currently the vice-principal for finance and professional services.
The college offers more than 1,000 courses - ranging from entry to degree level - to more than 12,000 students every year.
