NEW teachers and staff at Sidmouth College began settling into their roles on Tuesday. Eighteen were taken on after 23 left last term through voluntary redundancies or retirement.

NEW teachers and staff at Sidmouth College began settling into their roles on Tuesday.

Eighteen were taken on after 23 left last term through voluntary redundancies or retirement.

Alison Pollentine, who becomes business manager after working at Sidbury Primary for 13 years, said: "It is the first secondary school I have worked in and I am looking forward to it. It is very exciting, although it was hard to leave Sidbury."

Lyndsey Skinner, 26, is director of 14-19 learning, a new post combining head of sixth form.

She comes from KEVICC, Totnes, where she was sixth form head and said: "The sixth form is a place where you can really change and grow.

"I want to make it grow and give them a wide experience, add extra courses and activities.

"Jeremy Roberts (principal) is changing things and he is really supportive. We can make this one of the best sixth form options in the county."

As well as her full-time job, Lyndsey is part way through a Masters degree at Exeter University.

Looking for a life-change, Angela Lucas has moved her family from Surrey where she was head of English at Sutton Grammar for 10 years.

"I was fed up with being in a town and I am not a London girl. I moved the family here and we are still looking for somewhere to live," said Angela, who is curriculum team leader English.

New languages teacher Katie Hindmarsh comes from Exmouth Community College, while school sport co-ordinator Ross Gillon has come from Sheffield.

Jonathan Chambers, Key stage co-ordinator, technology, has moved from the City of Leicester College, while new maths teacher Felicity Wise comes from Maidenhead.

Mr Roberts said: "It is really fantastic to welcome such an enthusiastic bunch to join us.

"These people will help us to achieve the targets we have set for ourselves.