THE vice-principal of John Kitto Community College in Plymouth will join Okehampton College after Christmas as its new principal.
Christopher Powell, 46, will take over from Philip Herriman who is leaving the post after 17 years.
Chairman of the college governors John Domaille said Mr Powell had been selected by parents, governors and pupils from 100 applicants because of his experience, enthusiasm and ideas and background in economics.
'Mr Powell has worked in a number of large community colleges so he has the experience but he also has a background in economics and business studies which should befit him well to handle education into the new millennium,' said Mr Domaille. 'This community college has a large catchment area with varying types of population and the post of principal is one of the biggest jobs in Okehampton.
He added that there had been all sorts of problems and difficulties to cope with at the 1,570-pupil John Kitto Community College but these had been dealt with in a very effective way and the vice-principal had been key in pulling the school forward.
Mr Powell said he was really pleased he had been chosen for the job and was looking forward to it immensely.
'I knew I wanted the job even before the interview,' he said. 'Walking around Okehampton and talking to the people about the college I got very positive feedback — it has a very good feel about it.'
The teacher, who plans to move from Plymouth to the Okehampton area, said Okehampton was set to grow in size over the next few years and it was a time of change for the town.
'I believe the college has a very exciting future,' he said. 'It has very firm foundations in place and I want to build on that.
'One of my main priorities in January will be to meet as many people from the town and surrounding villages as I can.'