LUCKY Dartmouth! That is the reaction from many parents to news that Tina Graham has been appointed acting principal of Dart­mouth Academy from September.

Mrs Graham will replace Nick Hindmarsh who has resigned over the school holidays for personal reasons. He has been principal since 2011.

Mrs Graham lives locally with her young family and is presently assistant principal and head of sixth form at Kingsbridge Community College.

She is already familiar with the academy having spent some time working with the leadership team last year.

In a statement, head of governors Mary Shaw said: ‘We are confident that Tina will ensure a smooth transition until the appointment of a new principal for Dart­mouth Academy in 2016.

‘Nick and Tina are busy working together to ensure a smooth handover and Tina will be setting aside time to meet with pupils, parents, staff and the local community early in September.’

News of the announcement brought a positive response from parents on South Hams Newspapers Facebook page.

Jo Acourt said: ‘Tina Graham is amazing. She will do an awesome job at Dartmouth.’

Jenna Owen said: ‘Lucky lucky Dartmouth.’ And Samantha Dryburg added: ‘Dartmouth will be in extremely caring, professional hands. They’re very lucky to have her.’

During his time as principal, Mr Hindmarsh has overseen rapid change and led the Academy to increasing success.

Under his leadership the primary and secondary schools have developed into an all-through Academy with great benefits for the continuity of education enjoyed by the students, and exam results have been on a rising trend.

Mrs Shaw said: ‘He led the £8.5m building programme, delivering it on budget and on time, that now sees the Academy in excellent facilities that are the envy of many other schools.

‘Under his leadership the Academy has always sought to support and work with the community for the benefit of young people and their families. We thank him profusely for all that he has done, and wish him and his wife Tracey all the very best for the future.’

Mr Hindmarsh said: ‘I have thoroughly enjoyed working with you in your various roles over my five years here.

‘I am not leaving the area so, no doubt I will bump into you around the place.

‘Personally, for me and my family it is time for to move on.

‘Since my decision on August 7, I have been working with Roger Pope and Tina Graham, along with Mary Shaw, chairman of governors, to plan for the transition, to ensure all bases are covered.

‘I would like to ask for your support and understanding of the academy during this period of change.

‘I have every confidence in the new leadership to sustain and accelerate what has been achieved here over the past five years.

‘I wish you all well in your various endeavours to improve this wonderful town and the opportunities available for all the community, and personally for what you have done to make this a better place for young people.’