RUMOURS circulated yesterday that several staff at Coombeshead College, Newton Abbot, were to be made redundant.

It is not known at the time of going to press how many staff could be affected.

It was understood that an official announcement was due to be made today.

Neither college acting principal John Patton, college vice-principal Nikki Prince – among whose responsibilities is that of teaching personnel and staffing – were available for comment yesterday.

It is understood that Mr Patton had been unwell and 'away' from the college.

The rumours surfaced in the week the college announced it had appointed a new principal.

A letter posted on the college's website, dated Monday, November 16, from chairman of governors Carole Williams, reads: 'I am pleased to inform you that we have made the excellent appointment of Mr Matthew Shanks to the post of principal of Coombeshead College. We look forward to him joining us at Easter 2010 and to his significant contribution to the continuing progress of our college.'

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