Mr Hazelton, who spent the last 11 years at Port Macquarie teaching chemistry and Christian studies at St Columba Anglican School, said the highlight of his career was seeing six students finish year 12 chemistry with band six results.

“Last year we had more than a third in the 90s,” he said. 

Mr Hazelton said he saw potential for the Orange school to grow in numbers and academic excellence and also in the development of children’s spirituality. 

He said he would work with the “excellent staff” to transform the school into a “major player” in NSW.

The deputy headmaster role is a teaching position, and Mr Hazelton will take on the sciences again.

He said the school was so accommodating he felt he had been in Orange for two years, not two days. 

Mr Hazelton’s son started kindergarten at the school on Wednesday and he finished the day on a high, confirming for Mr Hazelton and his wife they had made the right decision.

“In three days I took him from the beach to the cold climate, and he walked into the classroom yesterday and said bye Daddy ... it was hard for me leaving everything we had, but after two days we’re convinced it was the right thing,” Mr Hazleton said.

The school has reached 380 students, with 18 in year 12, and the expansion meant the deputy role was needed.

In 2008 there were 43 enrolments.

“I’m really excited about the opportunity to take secondary students through and establish that school,” Mr Hazelton said. 

Headmaster Reverend Louis Stringer, who started in his role this year, says the school is lucky to have Mr Hazelton.

“Scott Hazelton will pave the way for a bright future,” he said. 

Mr Hazelton will start the position in week five in late February. 

nicole.kuter@fairfaxmedia.com.au