THE headteacher of Liskeard School and Community College will step down from his position on August 31, enabling a new female teacher to take the reins. Alan Sedgley, who has been in charge at Liskeard School and Community College since 1996, has had a very successful time as headteacher, combining the lower school and the upper school into one site in 1998, and bringing engineering status to the school in 2004 – the only school in Cornwall to have it. When he leaves, Mr Sedgley will take the role of a School Improvement Partner (SIP), acting for the local authority, providing professional support to the schools to which he is assigned. Taking over his position as headteacher will be Donna Bryant, who has come from Camborne Science and Community College, where she was deputy head. Since her appointment, Mrs Bryant has met with the parents and children of Year 5, and 6 pupils, introducing herself and getting to know the area. Evolution Liskeard's new headteacher claims she is ready for the leadership, saying: 'Liskeard is a wonderful school and is full of energy. Taking over is about evolution not revolution; I intend to build on what is already in place, especially working with the community even more.' During his time as headteacher, the school flourished under Mr Sedgley, building on the curriculum that was already in place and strengthening it. This gave students numerous courses to choose from, creating a variety of pathways to follow. And in 2006, Liskeard School and Community College was ranked in the 13th percentile in terms of progress in the Contextual Value Added (CVA) report for Year 6 through to Year 9. However, Mr Sedgley does not take all the praise, saying that his team of staff have played a major role in bringing success to the school. 'The attitude of the staff has played a major part in making the school a success,' said Mr Sedgley. 'Developing our staff and seeing them thrive for their first promotion has worked extremely well, both for the school and for themselves. 'I will miss the incredible variety of daily interaction with staff, students, parents and governors.' Speaking on the arrival of Mrs Bryant, he added: 'I am absolutely delighted that Donna has taken up the job. I'm sure she will do well continuing with the development of the school.'