STUDENTS at a highly-ranked Stourbridge sixth form college will be welcoming a new principal next term - but it is a face they know well.

Remley Mann has worked at King Edward VI College in a variety of roles since 1998 and is currently vice principal.

She will take over the reins from principal Sharon Phillips, who is retiring at the end of August after more than seven years in the post.

Ms Phillips said: "Remley is a talented leader and it has been a real pleasure to work with her over the last seven years.

"I am confident that she has the skills to take the college into the future."

Ms Mann has previously been head of quality improvement and teacher of French and philosophy at the Lower High Street college.

She said of her new job: "It is a tremendous honour to be appointed to this role.

"I have a strong commitment to this college and it is a privilege to have been chosen to serve the community of Stourbridge and the wider region in this capacity.

"King Edward VI College has a long history of excellence and I look forward to working collaboratively with my colleagues to continue to foster a purposeful, stimulating and inclusive learning community.

"I greatly value working with such talented students and colleagues and I'm looking forward to playing my part in the next stage of the college's development."

King Edward VI College is rated as one of the top academic sixth form colleges in the country, specialising in A Levels, and has been rated "outstanding" by Ofsted.

Professor Chris Painter, chairman of governors at the college, said: "Remley will bring an enthusiastic, charismatic leadership style to the institution.

"I am absolutely confident that she possesses the qualities necessary to take the college through its next stage of development, in what will be a challenging financial and competitive educational environment, building upon the already considerable changes brought about by the current principal."