GARY Lobbett will start his new post as headteacher of Callington Community College in January 2009.
Mr Lobbett is currently the deputy headteacher at the Sir Bernard Lovell School at Oldland Common in Bristol, and he will succeed Steve Kenning, who spent ten years as head at Callington.
An interview panel including college governors, members of the senior management team and professional advisors from Cornwall Education Authority voted unanimously to appoint Mr Lobbett. Students were also involved in the decision-making process, having had the opportunity to quiz all the candidates.
Mr Lobbett was born in Bideford and has continued to maintain a family home in the town while working in other parts of the country.
He is married and has three daughters, two sons and two grandsons.
Prior to working full time in education he pursued a career as a musician and as director of many successful business interests.
He brings many years of experience working within the successful Kingswood Partnership of six secondary schools and the City of Bristol College.
Mr Lobbett said: 'I am delighted to be returning to my roots in the West Country.
'Having been born and bred in a small town community, I highly value the tremendous benefits that a community dimension can bring to the life and ethos of a school.
'I was highly impressed at interview with the wealth of talent and expertise that exists within the staff and governors at Callington community college, and genuinely look forward to a working partnership that will build on the tremendous achievements to date.'
Paula Ramsden will be acting headteacher and John Wheldon will be acting senior deputy headteacher until January. Staff said they were very much looking forward to working with Mr Lobbett to keep Callington an 'exciting and innovative place to be at school.'
Steve Kenning left Callington at the end of the summer term to take up the headteacher post at Harris City Academy in Crystal Palace, London.