Andrea Griffin. Photo supplied.Popular deputy principal Andrea Griffin is wrapping up seven years at Ashburton College and stepping into a role at one of the largest schools in New Zealand.

At the end of this term, Griffin will make the big move to Burnside High School in Christchurch, where she has been appointed assistant principal.

She said she would treasure her time at Ashburton College, including the continual lasting friendships that she had made.

“They really are an amazing group of people,” she said.

Since entering the education industry in 1991, Griffin has taught at a number of schools in the UK and worked as a senior lecturer at the University of Portsmouth.

She has also taught at Mt Hutt College and Timaru Boys’ High before joining Ashburton College in 2011.

She spent a year working as head of science before becoming deputy principal, including a spell as acting principal in 2017.

With 2500 students, Burnside High is roughly twice the size of Ashburton College, and zoned.

It boasts a high academic status and involvement in sport, and a great team of leaders, Griffin said.

She will be working alongside principal Phil Holdstein, three divisional principals, 12 deans and 13 heads of department.

By Katie Todd © The Ashburton Guardian - 27 June 2018