A WEEK into his new job, the principal of Okehampton College Christopher Powell feels sure he's picked the right place!
The 46-year-old former vice-principal of John Kitto Community College in Plymouth said he could not have had a better welcome from staff and pupils.
Mr Powell, who was selected from 100 applicants to take over the post from retiring principal Philip Herriman, is relishing the positive atmosphere at the college.
He said: 'The students have been very receptive and the staff have been excellent. The people who work here recognise that the college is at a period in its history where it faces great change and they are looking at that in a very positive way.
'I spent the first two days in the classrooms talking to the children and teachers and they come across as very happy.'
Chosen for his experience, enthusiasm and ideas as well as a background in economics, the new principal said his number one priority was to enjoy the job.
'If I did not enjoy it there would be no point in doing it,' he said. 'Job satisfaction is very important to me and if I and the staff have that the youngsters are getting the best possible deal — it's what it is all about.'
Changes are already being made at the college with some environment improvements, but Mr Powell has quashed the rumour that the pupils are getting a new uniform.
'It's getting around the college that I am going to change the uniform but that is not on the agenda,' he said. 'I just asked one of the children what they thought of the uniform.'
Discussions about the school's curriculum are set to take place between the new principal, staff and governors, but Mr Powell said that was something that was happening nationwide.
'One of my aims is to get out and about to the villages and I am also inviting various people to come in and talk to us so we can see how the college can develop to serve the community even more effectively,' he said.