TAVISTOCK College?s governing body has appointed a new principal to lead the college from September 1. Colin Eves, 45, who is presently the principal of Ilfracombe College, was selected by the governors from a shortlist of six candidates on Thursday following two days of meetings, interviews and presentations at the college. Alex Wood, chair of governors, said Mr Eves had clearly taken Ilfracombe College far and would bring the same qualities to Tavistock. Mr Wood said: ?His work is student-centred, exactly the approach which will raise our standards even higher. Colin has shown that he can actively and successfully engage with parents. ?The development of an active community role for the college was a key component in making our choice and that will be vindicated with our selection of Colin. The role of principal of Tavistock College brings huge responsibilities. We are sure that Colin is the person to take them on.? Mr Eves was born and brought up in South West London and left Swansea University in 1980 with a degree in chemical engineering. He taught science in schools in Hounslow and Wales before becoming deputy headteacher at Berwick-Upon-Tweed High School in Northumberland in 1990. In January 1995, Mr Eves took up the post of headteacher of Brecon High School in Powys in mid-Wales. The new principal cites his interests as sport, particularly walking, canoeing and rock-climbing, reading and renovating houses. Mr Eves said it was Tavistock itself, as the market town of Dartmoor, that initially attracted him to the post and he saw that, within a very large college, a lot was being done for individual students. One of his first tasks as principal will be to build on the findings of the report from the college?s recent Ofsted inspection. He said: ?I am absolutely thrilled and can?t wait to start. I have two primary aims: firstly I?d like every child to achieve the very best possible academic results; secondly, I want them to have the opportunities to develop the essential qualities and skills for the workplace and their everyday lives.? The report from Ilfracombe College?s own Ofsted inspection in February was published this week and says that in the years Mr Eves has been principal he has made notable achievements. In the last year, his college has taken on an arts specialist status and has just been awarded a £3.4-million specialist arts block by the county council. Tavistock College has a budget of £7.2-million for 2005-6, has 1,860 pupils and employs around 250 staff. It is the third biggest college in Devon and is looking to become a flagship college, working in growing active partnership with Okehampton and Ivybridge Colleges in particular. Mr Eves will be working with the governors and acting principal Chris Powell over the coming term in preparation for his formal arrival in September. Tavistock College?s own Ofsted report of the six-yearly inspection carried out last month will be published on April 16.