THE principal at Uxbridge College has spoken of the exciting challenge in her new role.

Laraine Smith, who has been in teaching for more than 20 years, is moving up from her previous role at the college as vice-principal.

She said: "It is an challenge but I am looking forward to it. We take on kids from very diverse backgrounds and that is one thing about this college I like.

"At the A-level stage we have pupils we are familiar with, who have taken their GCSE exams and its comforting to know we have some background on them.

"But on the other hand we have some starting from other schools, that we know nothing about and that is also a positive thing to know they want to study with us."

Ms Smith took over from Rachel Davies on August 20 and is currently dealing with the enrolment for the new term.