A NEW principal has taken over the helm at Stockton Sixth Form College.

Martin Clinton, 49, taught at the college for seven years at the start of his career, before leaving in the early 1980's.

He was formerly principal of Woking College, in Surrey, and has played a groundbreaking role nationally in the establishment of educational links with industry, becoming the first Understanding Industry teacher organiser in the UK in 1987.

Also the author of a best selling revision guide, he has served on national leading educational organisations in key positions and was principal moderator in business studies for the former Associated Examining Board, now the Assessment and Qualification Alliance.

An accomplished speaker at student and teacher training events and conferences, he said: "My aim is to help students of all abilities exceed their educational expectations and to become independent individuals who continue to enjoy learning throughout their lives."

A Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Mr Clinton has just stepped down as a Member of the Court of Governors of Surrey University and as Chairman of the Woking Community Learning Partnership.