A NEW principal has been appointed at Accrington and Rossendale College.

Sue Taylor, who previously held the position of vice-principal, will take up the role in August ready for the beginning of the new academic year.

She replaces the interim principal Lynda Mason and former head Stephen Carlisle, who stepped down in October last year.

Mrs Taylor who has worked at the college for 13 years, originally began her career as an English teacher at Bolton College.

She said: “It is a privilege to be able to take Accrington and Rossendale College to the next stage of its development.

“It’s an outstanding college with an exceptional team of staff, a wonderful campus and a diverse, vibrant range of students.

“I am committed to working with all our partners to transform the lives of individuals and communities, and to support the economic regeneration of the area. As principal, I look forward to building on our long tradition of excellence to ensure that our education and training provision is second to none.“ Mrs Taylor’s appointment was made after a nationwide selection process.

Dr Mike Lee, chair of governors at Accrington and Rossendale College, said: “I am delighted that after an exhaustive nationwide selection process it is one of our own vice principals who has proved herself to be the outstanding new principal we were looking for both to maintain our current outstanding performance and to develop it further as we move into the future.

“Sue was the unanimous choice of the selection panel and I am confident that under her leadership the college will continue to focus on giving students the high-quality, rewarding and enjoyable learning experience they have come to expect.”