Bridgwater College has confirmed today that Fiona McMillan will retire in December, after 17 years as principal.

A college spokesman said Mrs McMillan had informed staff and governors of her decision this week.

The spokesman said she had “overseen a period of significant growth and outstanding achievement at the college, culminating in the college being awarded many national accolades, including the designation of an “outstanding college” by Ofsted and her being presented with an OBE in 2003.”

Mrs McMillan said: “Bridgwater College has become a way of life for me, but I am aware that nothing can go on forever.

“Whilst I will be very sad to leave when the time comes, and I will miss the staff, students and governors tremendously, I know I can feel proud of everything we have achieved together.

“Whoever replaces me will have a fantastic team of staff and governors to work with.”

Derek Randall, chair of governors, who will lead the search to find a successor, paid tribute to Mrs McMillan and “her considerable achievements”, which he said were “best summed up by acknowledging that Bridgwater College is widely acclaimed as one of the most outstanding colleges in the country in every measureable respect.

“It has been a privilege to work with Fiona during her time as principal.”

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