Peter Mayhew-Smith CBE never set out to become a college leader. What started with teaching literacy and supporting people in his local community turned into a career spanning almost 40 years in further education. Today, he's Group Principal and Chief Executive of South Thames Colleges Group, having helped guide colleges through financial challenges, major mergers and significant changes across the sector.
In this episode of Inspiring Working Lives, Peter joins Dan Taylor to look back on his journey from the classroom to senior leadership, the difficult decisions he's had to make and why giving people a second chance through education has always mattered to him. They also discuss the growing importance of student mental health, creating a supportive college environment and what it really takes to lead when things don't go to plan.
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.
Peter Mayhew-Smith
Group Principal/CEO at South Thames Colleges Group
Peter Mayhew is Group Principal and CEO of South Thames Colleges Group, bringing extensive experience in further and adult education, with a career spanning more than 30 years. He began his career as a community education tutor in west London before progressing through a range of teaching, management and senior leadership roles across the further education sector.
Peter has held several senior positions, including Principal and Chief Executive of Kingston College and Carshalton College, where he led improvements in educational quality and oversaw both colleges achieving their first ‘Good’ Ofsted ratings. He also played a key role in developing shared services between the colleges, helping establish one of the first college groups of its kind.
In August 2017, Peter oversaw the merger of Kingston, Carshalton and South Thames Colleges to form South Thames Colleges Group, becoming Group Principal and CEO. Under his leadership, the Group achieved a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating in 2019. Throughout his career, Peter has remained committed to improving educational opportunities, supporting learners from diverse backgrounds and strengthening the role of further education in local communities.
