CARMEL College principal Rob Peacock is to retire this August it has been announced.

Rob, who has been at the helm for 14 years, will be hand the baton over to Mike Hill, who has been appointed as his successor.

Ahead of his retirement, Rob, who has worked at the college since its opening in 1987, said: “It has been a real privilege to be part of Carmel College.

"The staff and students here are simply outstanding and have made my job a real pleasure. I know Mike and I am confident that under his leadership Carmel will continue to flourish. I wish him every success.”

Mike Hill is currently the deputy principal at Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College and has already visited Carmel several times since his appointment.

He said: “I feel extremely privileged to lead such a nationally renowned college, Rob has set the bar very high.

"My task is to sustain and develop the outstanding work Carmel does. When I first visited the college, I was bowled over by the excellent learning environment and the friendliness of both the staff and students."

Mike added: "I have many happy memories of success on the rugby fields of St Helens and I’m looking forward to working with staff, students and governors to ensure that Carmel continues to have a positive impact on the whole of the local community.”