A WOMAN who trained as a marine chemist but chose a career in teaching has been appointed as the new principal of West Somerset Community College.

Gaynor Comber, 47, will take up her new post in September following the retirement of Nick Swann, who steps down at the end of July after 17 years at the helm.

Mrs Comber, who is married with two sons at university, has worked in a wide range of rural and urban schools.

For the past seven years she has been headteacher of Sir William Ramsey High School in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.

During her time there, the school has grown from 870 to more than 1,000 students - compared with West Somerset's 1,250 - and the five A*-C pass rate at GCSE has more than doubled.

College chairman of governors Martin McNeil said the governing body was delighted to have been able to appoint Mrs Comber from a strong field of candidates.

"Her experience and her determination to raise standards of teaching and learning to the highest possible levels are just what the college needs to build on Nick Swann's legacy," he said.

Mrs Comber (pictured) said she was very excited to be joining a college with so many strengths.

"I have already been made to feel very welcome by students, staff and representatives of partner schools and look forward to working with all of them and with the wider West Somerset community to create an educational vision for 21st century learners," she said.

Mr Swann, who has overseen a substantial building programme, the introduction of a wider choice of courses and improved academic results during his time as principal, has admitted it will be a huge wrench to leave the college.

For the last six years, in addition to his college responsibilities, he has helped coach aspiring headteachers through the National Professional Qualification for Headship programme, and he intends to continue and expand his involvement in the programme and is also planning to embark on "one or two private ventures".