Boston College Announces Lynette Leith OBE as New Principal and CEO
Boston College today announces the forthcoming retirement of Claire Foster, who has served as Principal and Chief Executive Officer over the past five years.
Claire’s tenure has been marked by unwavering dedication and visionary leadership – from steering the College through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic to championing values-driven, student-first approaches that have left a lasting legacy.
Under Claire’s direction, the College completed major estates developments, securing over £20 million in investment to enhance facilities and learning resources. Initiatives such as the ‘Mayflower’ project and community-engaging events like Boston Brilliance and SparkFest have firmly reinforced the College’s integral role in the local area and wider region. Claire leaves behind a confident institution, a culture characterised by care and collaboration, and a resilient foundation on which to build.
Speaking about her time at Boston College, Claire said: “After 30 rewarding years in further education, I am announcing my retirement from Boston College with immense pride in what we have achieved here together. We have transformed our college campuses while never losing sight of what matters most – putting students at the heart of everything we do, creating powerful partnerships and serving our communities across East Lindsey, South Holland and Boston. I am particularly proud of the dedication, commitment and hard work of my exceptional team. Together, we have established our BRIGHTEN values at the centre of our culture, significantly developed leadership capacity and invested in streamlining our systems and processes to improve productivity while making them more accessible and simpler for everyone. While I will deeply miss this wonderful learning community and the annual cycle of changing lives that defines our work, I am confident that Boston College’s future is bright. Our vision has always been ‘brilliant today, better tomorrow,’ and I believe we have truly demonstrated our unwavering commitment to constant improvement in skills and education. It has been the privilege of my career to be part of this remarkable institution and to witness firsthand the positive impact we make every single day.”
Stepping into this pivotal role is Lynette Leith OBE, who will join Boston College from 7th November. Lynette brings a track record of strong educational leadership, most recently serving as Vice Principal for Curriculum and Skills at Hull College. In recognition of her exceptional contributions to the Further Education sector, Lynette was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2025 New Year’s Honours. Under her guidance, Hull College achieved a ‘Good’ overall Ofsted rating in October 2023, with Adult Provision and Personal Development rated ‘Outstanding’ and Skills and Employer Engagement rated ‘Strong’ – reflecting her talent in aligning learning with both student and regional needs. Lynette serves as a trustee at the Education and Training Foundation chairing the Education, Quality and Standards Committee, and works with the Gatsby Charitable Foundation as a national Curriculum Advisor. She is a strong advocate for inclusion and is currently undertaking a PhD focusing on Core and Character Education as a change maker for FE’s most disadvantaged students. She looks forward to bringing her expertise to the role.
During the selection process, Lynette impressed the appointment panel with her deep understanding of Boston College’s mission, as well as her energy, enthusiasm, and ambition for the College’s future. The College is confident that Lynette shares its unwavering commitment to placing students at the heart of everything, within a welcoming and inclusive culture.
Speaking of her appointment, Lynette said, “It’s a privilege to be appointed as Principal and CEO of Boston College. The College has a strong reputation for supporting its students to achieve their ambitions and for working closely with its communities and employers to drive skills, opportunities and growth. I look forward to working with the Corporation, staff, students and partners to build on this success and to lead Boston College into an exciting future.”
For 60 years, Boston College has been providing high-quality education and training, earning a strong reputation for supporting students, working in partnership with employers, and enriching its local communities. The College extends its heartfelt gratitude to Claire for her outstanding leadership, vision, and tireless service. It is also delighted to welcome Lynette, whose energy and expertise will continue to build on this proud legacy as Boston College advances on its journey towards exceptional.