DEPUTY headmaster Lee Glaser is to step up to the top job at Taunton School.

Mr Glaser will succeed headmaster Dr John Newton, who is taking up the post of principal of Scotch College, Adelaide, Australia, from the start of next year.

Jane Barrie, chairman of the governors, describes said Mr Glaser is “a senior leader of outstanding ability and judgment”.

She added: “I am looking forward to him leading our distinguished school with a clear strategy and progressing our vision.

“He will confidently ensure the highest standards of education and opportunities for all our students.

“He will support our young adults, enabling them to progress in higher education and employment with the skills to support this important stage and further development through life.

Mr Glaser, 47, who has been deputy head at Taunton School for five years, read maths at Liverpool University before qualifying as a chartered accountant with Coopers and Lybrand and then serving on the senior management team at Millfield School as senior master and director of sport.

He said: “I am delighted and honoured to be asked to lead Taunton School.

“It is a wonderful place with huge significance in my life.

“I am looking forward to building on John Newton's excellent work.

“In a time of educational change, my colleagues and I are passionate about inspiring and challenging young people to achieve great things.”