IT'S the Hampshire college with a modern outlook

Now a new leader has taken the helm

Maxine Room has joined the college on a part time basis working four days a week at Totton College

"Passionate" about education, training and skills she has come to Hampshire from Lewisham College and Southwark College in London.

She says she wants to increase the number of students on roll and to make partnerships with other local organisations - as well as making "more and more links with employers."

She wants to increase the number of 16-18 year olds from 250 to 300. And she is making an effort to increase attendance with twilight sessions, free breakfasts as well as personally mentoring a cohort of six pupils.

She said: "I have started working with students directly. We have had some real successes. It's a small thing in my world - but it's a big thing in their world. I love community stuff. The young people need to feel cared for. I absolutely love it here. There's nothing more important to me than a learner.

"We want to fill the skills gap, especially with technical skills." And part of that will be encouraging students to become entrepreneurs with programmes like Market Maker."

As previously reported the College is sponsoring this year's Totton Carnival.

All students have free access to the Totton Health and Leisure Centre on campus, and students have had the chance to work with Chelsea FC Foundation coach, Phil Moody, to trial for Chelsea's football academy.

Ms Room is also hoping to work with Tottonians Rugby Club and offering horticulture to SEND pupils.