THE new headteacher for Shebbear College has been announced.

After a selection process that saw more than 50 applicants with a high quality field of candidates, it was a unanimous decision of the selection panel to appoint Caroline Kirby to the role. A graduate of Bristol University, Caroline has over a decade of senior school leadership, coupled with extensive teaching and pastoral care experience.

Chair of governors Mike Saltmarsh said: “Caroline will be a major asset for the school, her experience and leadership qualities will enable the college to continue on its journey to be the best independent school in the South West. We have invested heavily in new facilities in music and our state of the art Sixth Form Centre and have exciting plans for the future. Caroline is exactly the head we need to take us forward with those plans.”

Caroline will be the first woman to lead the school in its history which stretches back to 1829. She is currently the deputy head of Le Régent College in Switzerland and will be joining the school in September, bringing her husband Robert and their three children aged between four and nine with her.

Caroline said: “I am excited to be joining such a successful school at this time, with the opportunity to develop its curriculum and facilities to meet the needs of a 21st century education and at the same time retaining the traditions and ethos of Shebbear. My family and I are very excited about the move to Devon, a part of the country we know and love, and joining the family community that is Shebbear College.”

The college is an independent day and boarding school with a long history of successful education in a unique rural setting on the outskirts of the village of Shebbear.

Shebbear College is part of the Methodist Independent Schools Trust (MIST) and David Humphreys, MIST general secretary, said: “Caroline’s skills and expertise will help Shebbear College grow to the next level. MIST is looking forward to welcoming her to the group.”