Bridgwater College principal Fiona McMillan has announced she will retiring in 2012 - and current vice-principal Mike Robbins has been chosen to take on the mantle.

Mr Robbins has been vice-principal at the college for the past 15 years and was previously head of faculty of business, management and humanities at Newham College of Further Education in London.

He was selected for the role following a nationwide recruitment campaign and three days of rigorous interviewing.

Retiring principal Ms McMillan, who was appointed to the role of President of the Association Colleges, said she was delighted by the decision.

She said: “I have worked with Mike for many years now; he knows exactly what makes Bridgwater College tick and I have absolute faith in his ability to continue and progress the fantastic work of our college.

“He and I will be working very closely over the next five months to ensure that we are in the best position to ensure a seamless transfer.

“I am sure my colleagues join me in wishing Mike a very successful career as principal, and I know that everyone will be as supportive of him as they have been of me.”