In this episode of Inspiring Working Lives, we sit down with Gerry McDonald, Group Principal and Chief Executive Officer of New City College (NCC), to explore his journey of transformation, leadership, and organisational impact. From navigating complex college mergers to achieving outstanding Ofsted recognition, Gerry shares the challenges, lessons, and strategies that shaped his career.
Gerry talks honestly about the importance of understanding problems properly before jumping to solutions, balancing day-to-day operations with big-picture thinking, and taking on projects that push you outside your comfort zone. He shares practical advice on mentorship, building support networks, and creating systems that help staff thrive while giving students the best possible opportunities.
This conversation is full of insight and encouragement for anyone in FE—or anyone hoping to grow as a leader—showing how curiosity, persistence, and smart thinking can make a real difference.
Dan Taylor
Managing Director at Morgan Hunt
I am the Managing Director of Morgan Hunt and Pentagon Talent and have held this position since January 2017. Over that period, I have overseen a full-scale change programme that has led to a more defined offering to the businesses long standing clients, a full change of brand, a new CRM and several adoptions of new and innovative tech and the opening of a new business in Scotland. All this has contributed to returning this long-standing business to profit.
In 2023, Morgan Hunt was awarded the NORA award for best large recruitment business for Morgan Hunt’s online presence, The Financial Times listed Morgan Hunt as one of the top 30 British Recruitment Companies and The Recruiter Magazine will feature Morgan Hunt in their Fast 100 for 2023.
I have worked within staffing and recruitment for 28 years. I am a major supporter of APSCo, attending many events throughout the year. I am a firm advocate for greater professionalism within the recruitment industry.
Married with two daughters, outside work interests include playing the drums and supporting the Sussex Cricket Foundation by creating greater access to the sport of cricket within the City of Brighton and Hove.
Gerry McDonald CBE
Group Principal & CEO New City College
Gerry became Principal of Tower Hamlets College in April 2013 following almost four years as the college’s Vice-Principal. Following mergers with Hackney Community College and Redbridge College, he became Group Principal and CEO of the combined New City College in April 2017. He subsequently led the Group’s mergers with Epping Forest College, Havering College of Higher and Further Education and Havering Sixth Form College.
Gerry is a qualified business studies teacher who has worked in the sector since 1993. He holds business degrees from the University of West of England and Aston and a PGCE from Manchester Metropolitan University. Gerry has worked in the sixth form and further education colleges in Birmingham and London, leading on business development, mergers, curriculum improvement, inspection and culture change.
Gerry is a co-opted committee member of the Association of Colleges London following his election to the main AoC board in December 2014. He also serves on the AoC’s national Employment and Audit Committees. Gerry still teaches business A Level and Level 3 BTEC.
Gerry was honoured with a CBE for his services to Further Education, in the New Year Honours 2025.
