Mr Bullock had been on secondment as principal of the school since December 2006, and this appointment makes the position permanent.

Mr Bullock, who had previously been vice-principal in St Patrick's College, Dungannon, said, 'I'm delighted that the Board of Governors had confidence in my ability to lead Drumcree College through this time of unprecedented change in post-primary education."

He acknowledged that change was unsettling for many people, but said that in Drumcree College the staff were working through the curriculum changes with commitment and an optimism that their students would benefit as a result of their efforts.

He added, "The year eight intake for September 2008 is nearly double what it was this time last year. I see this as a sign that parents have increased confidence in the school, and I can assure them that this confidence is justified."

Mr Bullock described Drumcree College as being central to the local community, and explained that the school, as part of the Extended Schools Initiative, was offering extended opportunities for both students, parents and the wider community, thus ensuring that the school premises and resources were put to good use to serve their local community.

Said Mr Bullock, "Our school motto is 'Excellence for All' and this year's GCSE and Key Skills results show that we take this ideal very seriously. We work in collaboration with Southern Regional College in Years 11 and 12 to ensure that all our students are offered relevant courses, and our Year 12 vocational programme also includes work experience in and around the community.

"Forty-one per cent of our students got A*-C in five or more subjects at GCSE (the average for schools with similar free school meals entitlement is in the low 30s, so the students in Drumcree can feel proud that they are achieving at such a high level.) with 35 per cent getting A*-C in seven or more subjects.

"The students, their parents and teachers are to be congratulated on their efforts throughout the year."

Mr Bullock concluded by saying that he and his staff were looking forward to a bright future in a school where the students' needs are paramount, where all staff work in harmony to ensure that excellence in both education and pastoral issues is available to all young people, and where the local community can feel confident in the school as a community resource that strives to ensure a broader range of opportunities for young people and adults.