A new principal has been appointed at Witchford Village College who will take up the post in June.

Dan Baxby has been chosen by the trustees of the Morris Education Trust after previous principal Chris Terry left for personal reasons after four successful years.

Following a demanding two-day process, Dan emerged as the excellent candidate from a very strong field, trustees said.

A spokesman for the trust said: “He impressed all with his vision, strategy, expectations and track record of improvement in his current position as vice-principal at Wrenn Academy, Wellingborough.

“He will actually start at WVC on June 25, taking over from Robert Campbell the interim principal.”

Originally from Yorkshire, Dan is a business graduate and has worked in a number of schools across the region, including time as senior assistant head and head of sixth form at Prince William School, Oundle.

The father of two is an avid road cyclist, a keen traveller and sports fan.

Through what he demonstrated during the recruitment process, he will bring his own brand of Sheffield steel to the college and its community, trustees said.

“All those who met and interviewed him during the process were clear about the superb fit he is to the college.”

Dan said: “I am looking forward immensely to taking up the role of principal at WVC.

“It was extremely clear to me during the very short time I spent talking to the students and staff, that the college has huge potential for the future, and that everyone is excited for the journey ahead.

“I also look forward to engaging with all members of the school community inviting all stakeholders to plan and deliver the success and opportunities that all of our young people deserve.”

Dan will be joining WVC at an exciting time in its development as it looks to introduce a new curriculum and vertical tutoring for September 2018.

Robert Campbell, chief executive of the Morris Education Trust that runs the college, 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.”