New boss of University of Gloucestershire named

The University of Gloucestershire has named Clare Marchant, chief executive at UCAS for the past six years, as its new vice chancellor.

Marchant will take over from Stephen Marston, who announced his retirement in December 2022 and will step down at the end of July 2023 after 12 years in the role.

During her time at Cheltenham-based UCAS, which handles all of the UK’s university admissions, she is said to have been particularly passionate about increasing higher education opportunities for people from the most disadvantaged backgrounds.

She was also at the forefront of a digital innovation at UCAS, is credited with being a driving force behind higher education reform and recently helped launch a new apprenticeship service. 

‘The role at University of Gloucestershire allows me to take this further, delivering high quality academic and vocational education, including a wide-ranging apprenticeship portfolio, that offers benefits to both students and employers, as well as the local and national economy,’ said Marchant.

Prior to UCAS, her roles have included chief executive officer at Worcestershire County Council and seven years in senior leadership roles as a digital delivery specialist with the Department for Health. She has also spent time in Ghana teaching IT.

Nicola de Iongh, chair of council at the university, said: ‘Clare’s commitment to the role of higher education in changing lives and enhancing the student experience shone through both in the recruitment process and during her time at UCAS.

‘We are delighted she has agreed to join our fabulous team here at the university.’