The principal of Witchford Village College, Chris Terry, has quit for personal reasons.

Mr Terry has not returned for the spring term and the appointment process for a new principal has begun.

Robert Campbell, chief executive of the Morris Education Trust that runs the college, has told prospective applicants that “the post becomes vacant following the difficult decision by Mr Terry to stand down because of personal reasons.

“During his four years at the college, Chris made a real difference and led the college to its strongest GCSE results and a ‘good’ judgement by Ofsted in 2016.”

Mr Campbell said the trust considered securing an external interim appointment for the two terms “but we felt that this would disrupt the college too greatly”. He has agreed to step in as an interim principal.

“I know the college and its community very well, having served as vice-principal here a few years ago (2000-2003) and having chosen Witchford as first choice of schooling for my three children when we relocated back to the area in 2007.

“It’s a village college I care deeply about and the appointment of principal we will be making this term is one that I view with real pleasure and honour.”

The 2016 Ofsted verdict on Witchford praised Mr Terry – a former vice principal of Cromwell Community College at Chatteris - for having “driven improvement with determination and clarity of vision.

“As a result the college’s local reputation has improved and, in turn, the number of pupils has increased.”

The trustees of the Morris Education Trust (MET) and governors of Witchford Village College (WVC) say they are looking for an inspirational and driven school leader to be the next Principal of the college.

“This career-defining opportunity will enable you to build quickly on the college’s many strengths and to make a real difference in the lives of young people in the area,” says their recruitment ad.

“It joined MET in April 2017 and this has energised the college further. As a flourishing village college with provision to match, it is seen and held in important regard by the local community.

“The new principal will be a values-led professional with significant self-knowledge who can motivate others and develop effective and successful teams.

“Decision-making will have to be excellent and the post-holder will demonstrate managerial courage in securing better outcomes for children and young people.”

The closing date for applications is 4.00pm on Tuesday January 23, 2018.