The new principal of Woking College has spoken of his “honour and privilege” on a day when students had plenty of their own reasons to celebrate, writes Sam Rees.

Nuweed Razaq was just as excited as students on A-Level results day with the college more than making the grade.

The principal – himself a former Woking College student – has very big shoes to fill after taking over from the long-serving Brett Freeman.

But while the college is in a good place with a 99 per cent A-Level and vocation course pass rate, there’s no time for complacency according to Mr Razaq.

“Each year is getting more challenging – apathy is growing for higher education,” said the head, hinting that students are becoming more careful over their career path.

But he was full of positivity for his high-achieving students with the percentage receiving top grades increasing and standing well above the national average.

Mr Nuweed is part of the furniture at Woking College. All four of his children have studied there and he has served as its deputy principal for a number of years.

He said it was "an honour and privilege" to lead a college that has played such an important part in his life, adding he is proud of what it has achieved and looking forward to what comes next.

His priorities include helping every student reach their full potential, continuing to invest in high-quality teaching, and deepening the college's role within the local community.

Mr Freeman, who worked alongside Mr Razaq for ten years, said he was "delighted" his former deputy was stepping up, adding he shares the same values and will continue to champion the college's inclusive, student-centred ethos.

He also thanked the staff and students, past and present, who he said had made the college "such an exceptional place.”