Look out for SuperJanet

An imminent announcement is expected on the retirement of John Sizer, founding chief executive of the Scottish higher and further education funding councils.

Bets are already being placed on his likely successor. Names being touted include the former secretary and director of finance at the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council, Dugald Mackie. Now secretary of Glasgow University, he is well connected politically and was a stalwart of the Cubie committee.

Another suggestion is Janet Lowe, principal of Lauder College, whose career spans further and higher education. A former member of the Garrick committee (Dearing's Scottish arm) and now vice-convener of the Scottish Further Education Unit's board and a member of the board of Scottish Enterprise, Ms Lowe has been dubbed SuperJanet.