THE current deputy at Hereford Sixth Form College will become principal when Jonathan Godfrey leaves the post next August.

Peter Cooper, a Chemistry graduate from Nottingham University, worked in Kenilworth High School and Priestley College, Warrington prior to arriving at Hereford in 1998.

Dr Godfrey, who has been in charge at the Folly Lane campus since 1997, will leave next summer.

The college advertised for a new principal in September with a salary topping £100,000.

Chair of governors, Ken Hopkins, said: "Peter was selected from a large field of very strong candidates, following rigorous interviews over two days.

"His record as an outstanding deputy makes him an ideal person to maintain the achievements of this most successful of colleges and to meet the challenges it may face in the future."

The college is regularly ranked in league tables among the best sixth forms in the country.

Dr Godfrey said: "I was absolutely delighted that Peter has been appointed. The national reputation the college enjoys for the excellence of its student outcomes, the support they receive and their overall experience is in no small part a result of his work over the last 18 years.

"Peter has played an important role in helping other colleges and in the community of the sixth form college sector he is widely respected.

"We have been the fortunate beneficiaries of his prolonged stay. I doubt that the college would be Ofsted ‘Outstanding’, financially robust and the first TES Sixth Form College of the Year without his commitment, energy and enthusiasm."

Mr Cooper said it was an honour to be asked to be the fourth principal of this college and paid tribute to Dr Godfrey for his role in its development.

He said: "However, the real heroes are the students and staff of the college who have strived continuously to deliver their best with such outstanding results.

"I am extremely proud to have been part of this journey and I will ensure that the values and commitment that led to our success are continued. We have an impressive story and I’m looking forward to helping to shape the next chapter."