The head of Walsall College will be leaving in September, it was announced today.

Amarjit Basi, who became principal and chief executive almost three years ago, will take up a role at New College Nottingham.

Mr Basi said he was proud to have served at Walsall College and was looking forward to his next challenge.

The father of two said a highlight had been being involved in Walsall’s regeneration as the college moved from St Paul’s Street to the new £64 million Wisemore Campus in Littleton Street West in 2009.

Mr Basi, of Edgbaston, Birmingham, said he was also pleased that the number of 16 to 18-year-olds enrolling in full-time courses over the past two years had rocketed, and partnerships with businesses were strong.

The 48-year-old said: “The highlights have been lifting the profile and reputation of the college.

“It is now a very different type of college. We have focused on offering high quality vocational learning and training. We work with about 2,000 business in any 12-month period. I have to pay tribute to the staff. They have a massive can-do attitude.”

He said the college had developed qualifications that were employer-led and had worked on the plans for the £9.5m Black Country University Technical College set to open at the former Sneyd School site in Vernon Way, Bloxwich, in September.

The UTC will be one of the first of a new breed of schools focusing on science and engineering qualifications alongside the national curriculum. Mr Basi said: “Walsall College picked it up as a seed of an idea three years ago. People didn’t think it would be possible.

“I am delighted I will be at the opening of the UTC in September before I leave.”

Before arriving at Walsall College in September 2008, Mr Basi worked as deputy and acting principal for Ealing, Hammersmith, and West London College.

He was born and bred in Smethwick and will be taking on the role of principal and chief executive at New College Nottingham.

Walsall College has not announced who will replace Mr Basi.