THREE weeks into his new post as head of West Somerset College, Gregg Mockridge told the Free Press of his plans to meet the challenges.

Gregg, 41, took over just after Easter, although the college itself is very familiar to him. He was previously there from 2010 as deputy head of curriculum.

Before that, he taught at Danesfield and went on to Ansford School in Castle Cary for a year. Most recently, he was at Bridgwater College Academy as deputy head of safeguarding, before his recent return to the college.

He feels “really proud but also aware I’m responsible for every single student and staff member. It’s quite scary at times, but in a good way.”

He has been left a school that is in a very good position, he says, but in spite of its sound footing, there are still challenges, and Gregg is keen to get the community more involved in the college again.

“West Somerset College is unique. It’s the only secondary school in such a big area and, with so many good facilities and resources we can offer, it should be the central hub of the community,” he said.

He said the school also works with local organisations such as Minehead Barbarians, Rotary Club and Butlin’s, but there was still a lot more it could do with the local community to get it engaged in school life.

To read all about his hopes, plans and ambitions, buy tomorrow’s Free Press.