Reepham College has started the academic year by welcoming back a former teacher in a new role as college director.

Helen McGuinness, left the school as head of social sciences in 2015, but this September returned as the college's new director.

Ms McGuinness said: 'I am thrilled to be taking over the reins of this highly successful sixth form and returning to Reepham as the new college director. Having worked in several post-16 settings during my career I am delighted to be leading the college, which I believe already provides the best academic, pastoral and cultural experience for young people in Norfolk.'

Adding that the new term has got off to an exciting start Ms McGuiness said: 'At the start of the new academic year, there is buzz of ideas, enthusiasm and creativity from our students. It is tangible from the moment you set foot in the college.

'This is an amazing place to work and study' she said.

The founding member of the Synergy Multi-Academy Trust, a group of six secondary and primary schools in north Norfolk, the college's summer A-level results ranked Reepham as the highest performing state school sixth form in Norfolk.

The college also remains the only Norfolk post 16 provider to have had its teaching rated as outstanding by Ofsted in all its inspections.

Ms McGuinness said: 'We recognise that excellent grades are only one aspect of securing a place at university, apprenticeship or work. Our enrichment programme offers a range of activities designed to provide opportunities to volunteer, experience teamwork, develop leadership skills and build confidence.'

Commenting on Ms McGuinness' new role Tim Gibbs, headteacher said: 'We are delighted that Helen has returned here. The field for this post was unquestionably the strongest we have ever seen for any role, with applicants from almost every other post 16 provider in the county, as well as many others from further afield. I have no doubt that Helen will truly add value, specifically in the wider experience that our students enjoy, to complement the firmly established outstanding progress they make; she is an exceptional individual.'