An Auckland deputy principal of a 2,000 student high school has been appointed principal of Mount Aspiring College (MAC).

The MAC Board of Trustees (BOT) said they were “delighted” with Nicola Jacobsen’s appointment.

Limited statutory manager Madeleine Hawkesby said Nicola, who will begin at MAC at the start of next year, is an ideal fit for the school. 

“As a leader of teaching and learning, Nicola has a focus on personal excellence. Her ability to collaborate, problem solve and critically analyse will be a significant asset to the college,” she said.

“A key strength of Nicola’s was clear and effective communication and I am confident that she is the right person to lead Mount Aspiring College as we move forward together.”

Nicola, who is originally from Blenheim, has been at Auckland’s Pakuranga College for the past six years. 

“I believe that education is for everyone; and to lead a school which serves the whole community is a great opportunity,” Nicola said.

The new principal understands the importance of strong community connections and will bring a fresh perspective to the school, BOT chair Ian Hall said. PHOTO: MAC

“I’m looking forward to getting to know the community. The staff - who are a valuable asset of the college - the students; who we serve - and the wider school whanau. This partnership is crucial for our youth to achieve their personal best and become the leaders of the future.” she said.

Before her appointment to Pakuranga College, Nicola held senior positions at Botany Downs Secondary College. She is a graduate of the University of Canterbury and the Christchurch College of Education and completed a Master’s degree from the University of Auckland in 2019.

The recruitment process was led by Madeleine in consultation with the BOT. 

Madeleine was commissioned by the BOT in early June to complete an analysis of issues at the school, following a critical Education Review Office review last year, the resignation of two members of the board in April as well as long term principal Wayne Bosley’s resignation in May.

She identified a raft of issues in a scoping report (released in July), which included an immediate need for strategic and focused leadership.

BOT chair Ian Hall said Nicola’s appointment is a positive step for MAC. 

“Nicola comes to the college with an impressive track record of effective educational leadership and strong academic credentials. The board was impressed by Nicola's presentation to us and by her vision of a high-performing college that caters for the needs of all students,” he said.

“Nicola will bring a fresh perspective and she well understands the importance of strong community connections.”

Nicola will meet with MAC senior leadership later this term, and will be welcomed officially to the school with a pōwhiri at the start of Term 1, 2021.