South Bank Colleges is delighted to be welcoming Craig Hanlon-Smith as the upcoming new Principal of London South Bank Technical College in the new academic year.
Craig brings with him over two decades of leadership experience in the further education sector, alongside a deep commitment to inclusive learning, community engagement and learner-centred transformation. His career has spanned curriculum innovation, safeguarding, creative industries, and large-scale strategic leadership across London’s college landscape.
Most recently, he served as Vice Principal for Student Engagement and Centre Principal at Morley College London’s North Kensington Centre for Skills – a role that saw him at the heart of one of London’s most ambitious college renovation and renewal projects.
Reflecting on his appointment, Craig said, “I am absolutely thrilled to have been appointed as Principal for London South Bank Technical College, especially at such an exciting time in the journey of South Bank Colleges and LSBU Group. I had such a positive and connected feeling during the recruitment and selection process, I feel as though I already belong. I look forward to working with all colleagues, students and stakeholders, to meet the challenges of the sector head-on, and supporting all learner groups to take advantage of the exciting opportunities that are available to them as part of the London Growth Plan.”
"We are delighted that Craig will be joining us at the start of the new academic year to lead our flagship technical college where we are reimagining technical education through a dynamic, employer-led curriculum," added Fiona Morey, Executive Principal of South Bank Colleges.
At Morley, Craig was pivotal in shaping the post-merger strategy and curriculum offer for young people and adults alike. He played a key role in safeguarding, student wellbeing, inclusive learning, and community partnerships, while leading the college through a £13.5 million Department for Education-funded redevelopment of their North Kensington campus. His leadership saw the centre transformed into a state-of-the-art hub for adult and community learning, complete with new creative studios, a performance hall, digital labs, and an on-site crèche to support accessible study.
Craig brings not only deep sector expertise but also a rich background in the performing arts and journalism. A published writer and director, he has worked with theatre companies and contributed to BBC local radio and LGBTQ+ media over the past two decades. His passion for social equity, creative education and civic engagement will be a great asset to the college and its wider community.
As Principal of London South Bank Technical College, Craig will lead the continued development of the college’s ambitious, employer-led curriculum. Based at our Nine Elms campus, LSBTC is a flagship centre for STEAM education – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths – offering hands-on learning in tech-forward labs, digital studios, and immersive workplace settings.
With strong links to London South Bank University, our technical programmes are designed to give students real-world experience and direct pathways into higher education and employment. Craig’s leadership will be key to shaping the next phase of our mission: to deliver future-first education that equips students with the skills, confidence and vision to thrive in London’s fast-evolving economy.
As we welcome Craig, we also extend our heartfelt thanks and best wishes to Wayne Wright, who will be stepping down as Principal of LSBTC after an exceptional career in further education. Wayne has dedicated his professional life to championing inclusive learning, student voice, and curriculum innovation. From teaching A-level economics and vocational business to leading major curriculum reforms—including GNVQ, Curriculum 2000, and the rollout of T Levels—Wayne’s impact has been far-reaching.
Wayne’s work with the Department for Education, Learning Skills Council, and even the Prison Service as a senior educational adviser reflects a lifelong commitment to improving outcomes for learners from all backgrounds. A passionate advocate for student success and staff development alike, he will leave a lasting legacy at South Bank Colleges. Wayne will be retiring to spend more well-deserved time with his family, and he will leave the education sector with the gratitude and admiration of all who have worked with him.
Please join us in welcoming Craig to the South Bank Colleges community—and in wishing Wayne every happiness in the next chapter of his life.
