A NEW headmaster has been appointed at a prominent Taunton school.

Michael Sloan will take the helm at King's College, Taunton, in September 2022 when current head, Richard Biggs, stands down.

Mr Sloan is currently deputy head at Brighton College and comes to Somerset after a varied career.

He grew up in Northern Ireland and attended the Methodist College in Belfast before reading Ancient History and Politics at Newcastle University.

After commissioning from the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, he served as an officer in The Rifles for six years, during which time he was deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq and Kosovo.

No stranger to the South West, Michael completed his PGCE at Bristol University, before starting his career as a history teacher at Emanuel School in Wandsworth, where he was a head of year.

He joined Brighton College as Assistant Head (Head of Middle School), was promoted to Deputy Head (Common Room) and most recently Deputy Head (Pupils) and Designated Safeguarding Lead.

The Sloane family is looking forward to joining the King’s community next summer, the new head said. 

"I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed as the next Head of King’s College," he said.

"King’s is an outstanding school, which promotes a lifelong love of learning and offers an unparalleled co-curricular experience.

"I am very much looking forward to moving to the West Country and working together with the King’s community of pupils, parents, staff and Governors, to lead the school into the next exciting chapter of its development.”

Michael is married to Hannah and they have three young sons - Rory (four), Finley (two) and Milo (six months).

He is a keen sportsman, having played rugby and football to a good level, an avid reader and an enthusiastic cook. His family enjoys travelling and walking.

The King’s Schools Council was unanimous in its view that Michael was the outstanding candidate to take over from Richard Biggs and to ensure that King’s College continues to flourish and grow well into the future, the school said.

Of his successor, Mr Biggs said: “The School Council have made an excellent choice in Michael Sloan. 

"I am looking forward to working closely with him over the coming year to ensure a seamless transition to new leadership.

"The council and I are confident that he will consolidate and build upon the school's success, ensuring that King’s continues to thrive and develop well into the future."