Eastern Education Group’s CEO, Nikos Savvas, initially became Principal of West Suffolk College in 2013 and has since led a bold and transformative period of growth across the institution and beyond. Under his leadership, the college not only weathered arguably the most challenging period for the Further Education sector but emerged as a national leader in educational innovation and excellence.
In 2015, Nikos founded the Eastern Colleges Group Multi Academy Trust by bringing One Sixth Form College (OSFC) on board, and in the same year acquired the University and Professional Development campus in Bury St Edmunds. He played a key role in establishing the University of Suffolk, with West Suffolk College as one of its founding partners. This vision of expansion and collaboration continued with the creation of Abbeygate Sixth Form College, the North Cambridgeshire Training Centre (NCTC), and the financial transformation of OSFC to achieve “Outstanding” status.
Through a period of significant national funding cuts, Nikos led all three colleges to Ofsted Outstanding ratings. He restored and grew higher education student numbers, established a direct contract with the Office for Students (OfS), and forged new partnerships with universities. During his tenure, student enrolment tripled, apprenticeships quadrupled, and investment in both physical and digital infrastructure reached unprecedented levels.
His commitment to inclusive, lifelong education also led to the successful merger with Exning Primary School and SENDAT, allowing the group to expand into specialist and primary provision – ensuring even more learners are supported from an early age. In 2023, under his leadership, Eastern Colleges Group evolved into Eastern Education Group, a name that better reflects its mission to serve learners at every age and every stage of their educational journey.
Under Nikos’ guidance, the evolution of Eastern Education Group has been powerfully reflected in the achievements of its students and staff. Over the years, many have gained national and even international recognition – winning awards and accolades for educational excellence, pioneering work in technology, and industry-leading expertise across a wide range of sectors. These successes speak to the ambition, creativity and high standards that have become hallmarks of the EEG community.
What made you want to step into the principal role at West Suffolk College?
I joined WSC as a Principal because I could see that I could make a difference to the college and to the community it served.
How does it feel to be leading an institution with 100 years of history behind it?
West Suffolk College is an integral part of the community and one of Eastern Education Group’s key anchor institutions. Education is the only way I know to truly transform lives for the better. Working at our group is both a vocation and a great privilege. I’m incredibly proud of our staff, our students, and our community – this is home!
What would your advice be to future students and staff of Eastern Education Group?
Excellence is a habit, not an act. You will have good times and bad times. Don’t let the good times get to your head, and don’t let the bad times drag you down. Resilience is what matters. Look after yourself and look after your community. Help each other because you are an integral part of the world you are living in, so what we do individually and collectively matters.
