Introducing the new Principal of RSBC’s Dorton College, Edith Windsor-Stokes

RSBC is delighted to have appointed Edith Windsor-Stokes as the new Principal of its specialist further education provision, Dorton College.

It is the only independent specialist further education provider for vision impaired (VI) young people in London and the Southeast. Dorton’s 27 students combine mainstream education with specialist support, helping them to gain academic qualifications, build confidence and lead more independent lives. 

With Dorton College expanding and RSBC creating new regional support centres for vision impaired students, we sought an experienced leader to guide the college’s next chapter and support its growing post-16 education offer.

Edith brings over 16 years of experience in education and healthcare leadership across mainstream, further education and specialist settings. She holds a large number of professional qualifications, including Qualified Teacher Status, Qualified SENCo Status, Advanced Teacher Status, and Chartered Teacher Status. Her leadership background spans secondary, post-16 and FE sectors, with a strong track record in inclusive education and multi-agency partnership working.

Most recently, Edith served as Interim Senior Curriculum Manager at Havering Sixth Form College, east  London, leading curriculum innovation and inclusive education strategy. Prior to that, as Assistant Principal and SENDCo at Leigh Academy Blackheath, south-east London, she oversaw SEND provision for over 300 pupils.

Edith said: “During my career, I’ve gained a  perspective grounded in frontline teaching, leadership and partnership working. What makes that journey unique is how it has taught me to navigate complexity, while holding fast to the individual - the learner, their story, and their potential.

“Dorton College is a community I feel honoured to lead because its values speak to the very heart of my work in education. It embodies the belief that young people with vision impairment and complex needs should not only be included, but fully equipped to thrive, with high expectations, tailored support, and rich, meaningful opportunities to shape their futures. It’s a place where aspiration is not an add-on - it’s the foundation.”

Josie Grainger-Francova, RSBC’s Education Director, said: "I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Edith to RSBC Dorton College as our new Principal. She brings a huge amount of experience and skills from across the SEND sector and will be an asset to the college in its next exciting phase of development. 

“Over the past few years, we’ve seen student numbers triple due to an increased need for specialist post-16 VI education. Edith will be key in driving Dorton College forward in its next ambitious phase to further expand our unique hybrid education offer." 

RSBC engaged leading executive search firm Peridot Partners during the recruitment process for the Dorton College Principal position. Dan Baxter, Principal Consultant for Further Education Appointments, commented: “We were looking for an exceptional leader - someone with vast experience in both specialist provision and the broader FE sector to lead Dorton College’s distinctive delivery model in partnership with general FE colleges. Their values would be just as important as their skills and experience. 

“Edith’s credentials and professional background were impressive, with qualifications in health, social care, youth and community work, alongside a PGCE, an MA in Education (Health), and ongoing MSc studies in Nursing – Learning Disabilities. She brings extensive experience in the post-16 sector, having led health and social care programmes, provided therapeutic and nursing support, and held senior responsibilities as a SENDCo.”