New Assistant Principal Appointed to Lead St Austell A Levels

After years without them, A Levels are returning to Cornwall College St Austell in 2027, and the college has just named the person who will lead the whole thing.

Anneka Wass has been appointed Assistant Principal to head up the return of A Level education to the campus. Before joining Cornwall College, Anneka worked at Barton Peveril Sixth Form College, one of the UK’s largest and highest-performing sixth form providers.

Who is leading it

Cornwall College Group Executive Principal and Deputy CEO Mark Wardle described Anneka as the perfect choice to lead the next chapter of A Level education in mid Cornwall.

“Anneka brings strong experience in sixth form education and a clear understanding of what students need to succeed,” Mark said.

“She has already played an important role in shaping the A Level offer at St Austell, and we are confident she will play a key role in building on our Ofsted Outstanding standards as we introduce A Levels at the campus.”

A multi-million pound rebuild

The A Levels form part of a multi-million pound redevelopment of the St Austell campus, which is already well underway. That work includes a dedicated A Level centre and modern teaching spaces, due to be completed in December 2026.

Anneka said the new offer is designed to inspire ambition, build confidence and prepare students for university and beyond.

“We’re also drawing from the amazing vocational courses and facilities that we already have on site to provide a diverse, well-rounded enrichment programme and enhance students’ college experience,” she said.

Students will study within a college rated Outstanding by Ofsted, with access to enrichment opportunities, modern facilities and the wider college experience. Alongside their studies, they will get specialist support and a range of activities designed to prepare them for university, employment or their next step.

“A strong A Level experience is about more than just the classroom,” Anneka continued. “It is about developing the whole person, making sure each student has the support around them, the opportunity to grow and a positive environment to be part of every day.”

The college says the new A Levels will widen choice for students in mid Cornwall, offering an academic pathway alongside existing routes and giving young people more options close to home. The offer is being developed in close collaboration with Cornwall Education Learning Trust (CELT) to help align provision and support progression across the area.

How to find out more

Parents, students and members of the community can find out more about the subjects on offer, the facilities, enrichment opportunities, grade entry requirements and travel options at the college’s A Level Information Evening on Thursday 4th June, 5.30pm to 7pm.

Applications for the first cohort, starting in September 2027, open on 1st September 2026.

📷Anneka Waas- the new Assistant Principal for A Levels at Cornwall College (1)