The newly-appointed principal of Awatapu College is "buzzing" about landing the top position at the Palmerston North high school.

Feilding High School associate principal Gary Yeatman was named yesterday as the replacement for Tina Sims, who will leave Awatapu College after 10 years at the end of the term.

Mr Yeatman will start the job next year, with Awatapu College deputy principal Jane Horton looking after the school between Mrs Sims' departure and his arrival.

Mr Yeatman told the Manawatu Standard yesterday that he was still "buzzing" after finding out on Tuesday he had been appointed.

"I took a short amount of time, like five minutes, to accept the position," he said.

Mr Yeatman has been teaching for 15 years and said being a principal had always been a career goal.

"I knew from the start that I wanted to be in senior management and a principal. It has been something I have been working towards for some time."

Mr Yeatman has been at Feilding High School for four years and will be Awatapu College's fifth principal.

Awatapu board of trustees chairman Tony Coffin said Mr Yeatman was the top pick of a strong field of contenders.

"We were very impressed with the applicants and after short-listing we brought them into the school to meet and interact with students and talk with the board."

Mr Coffin said the board was prepared to wait until it had found the right person for the job.

"We were happy to re-advertise if we didn't feel we had the right person for the job but we have a lot of faith in Gary."

The news was announced to staff at both schools yesterday morning. Mr Yeatman said Feilding High School principal Roger Menzies was excited for him "He has wished me well. I've really enjoyed my time at Feilding."

Mr Yeatman will spend some time at the Palmerston North school during term four to familiarise himself with the job.

Mrs Sims is taking up a role with the Education Ministry as its chief adviser for the Youth Guarantee programme.

- © Fairfax NZ News