THE principal of a school in Chesham is stepping down in his role.

Kevin Patrick, principal of Chiltern Hills Academy, will be handing over the leadership of the school to Samantha Chapman after 15 years in the job.

In 2007, Kevin Patrick took over as headteacher at the then Chesham Park Community College.

Five years later the school was transformed to Chiltern Hills Academy and, for the last ten years, he has been the principal of the academy.

Working with the local authority, Kevin has overseen significant building programmes to provide new science labs, classrooms, a new library, sports hall, practical rooms, student toilets and the main school atrium.

And most recently the school has worked with the FA and local football clubs, the artificial grass football pitch has been opened.

New principal Ms Chapman will take over in September.

The Governors have thanked Mr Patrick for his dedication during his years at the school and are looking forward to having Ms Chapman as principal.

The Chairman of Governors Andrew Brown said: “Mr Patrick has had a transformational impact on the school during his tenure as principal.

“We thank him for the dedication he has shown to education in Chesham over the last 15 years.

“We are delighted to have been able to recruit Ms Chapman to take the school forward on its journey.”