Luminate Education Group lines up next CEO

Luminate Education Group has announced the appointment of Bill Jones as its next chief executive officer, who is due to take over from Colin Booth on 1 January 2026. 

Jones is currently deputy chief executive at Luminate and executive principal of Leeds City College. 

Booth, who is retiring after 10 years in the role, saw the group expand its reach, prioritise vocational education, and build partnerships with employers, civic leaders and communities across Yorkshire.

Having worked in the education sector for nearly 30 years, Jones has held senior posts at Sheffield College, Rotherham College of Arts and Technology, and Burton and South Derbyshire College. 

The appointment follows a competitive recruitment process, according to board chair John Toon.

Toon said: “Bill demonstrated a clear vision for the future of our group, with a deep understanding of our values and the challenges and opportunities facing education at both a regional and national level. The Board is confident that he will provide outstanding leadership in the years ahead.”

Jones added: “It is an immense privilege to be appointed as the next chief executive. Having worked within the group for over 10 years, I’ve seen first-hand the impact our members, staff and students make across our communities every day.

“I am proud of what we have achieved together under Colin Booth’s leadership — and I’m excited to build on that strong foundation. As we look ahead, my focus will be on deepening our commitment to inclusive, high-quality education across both further and higher education, while exploring new ways to innovate, respond to local and national priorities, and strengthen our partnerships across sectors.”

Further details on strategic plans under Jones’s leadership are expected to be announced in due course.