New man atthe helm for new college

David Jones has been appointed to lead the specialist sports college in the most exciting years of its history. Its 1,600-plus students and staff are set to move into a 35m new building in two-and-a-half years' time.

Mr Jones will succeed the current head, John Morrison, on September 1. 'I am delighted to be joining a school so rooted in, and committed to, its community,' said Mr Jones.

'Bognor Regis Community College has huge potential among its student body. I look foreward to working alongside a strong governing body, dedicated staff, and a very able leadership team to raise both aspirations and standards.

'The prospect of new school buildings to complement the fantastic facilities at the Arena would be the envy of many communities internationally.'

Mr Jones is the head at Gosford Hill in Kidlington, Oxford, a specialist college in mathematics and computing.

His school was recently named in the Specialist Schools Academies Trust in the 100 most improved schools during 2003-2006.

The school was also named in the top 15 per cent of state and independent schools in the Sunday Times parent power survey in 2006. This was based on GCSE and A-level results.

The most recent Ofsted report for Gosford Hill, carried out in May 2006, refers to the '˜clear vision and direction provided by the headteacher'.

Mr Jones is a graduate of Loughborough University and holds a masters degree in educational management as well as the national professional qualification for headship.

He is married to Jo, a primary school teacher, and has three children all aged in their early 20s.

Mr Morrison has been at the community college for about four years. He arrived after Ofsted inspectors had published a damning report on the then failing school.

Under Mr Morrison's leadership, the school was removed from special measures in the summer of 2005, six months ahead of the deadline.

He has been appointed to the post of principal adviser for learning improvement of students aged between 11 and 19 for the West Sussex Learning Service.