THE new headmaster of an independent school in Taunton is starting his job earlier than anticipated.

Julian Noad will take over at Queen's College in September, replacing current head Dr Lorraine Earps.

Mr Noad, currently headmaster of Oswestry School, in Shropshire, for the past seven years, had been due to take up his new post "no later than January 2022".

But the governors at Oswestry have agreed to release him early from his contract.

Queen's chairman of governors Mark Edwards said: "We are extremely grateful to the chairman and board of governors at Oswestry School for releasing him from his position early so that he can start with us at the beginning of the new academic year.

"Julian has a clear vision for Queen's College which he articulated to us throughout the interview process and is excited and honoured to be the next head.

"He will now be able to share his vision and thoughts with the school community in the autumn term."

Mr Noad said: "I am thrilled that I will be able to get started at Queen’s at the beginning of a new academic year.

“I cannot wait to get going, getting to know the community and plotting its path to even greater success.”

Queen’s College educates children from three months in its Highgrove Nursery up to 18 years in Sixth Form.

Dr Earps, who became its first woman head when she was appointed in 2016, is leaving to become head of The Grange School, Hartford in Cheshire.