THE new headmaster at a school in Taunton has settled into his new post.

Taunton School welcomed James Johnson this term as he took the helm at the start of the new academic year.

Mr Johnson joins the independent school after six years at Ardingly College, in West Sussex, where he was head of senior school.

He embarks on his new role as Taunton School celebrates its 175th anniversary and continues its plan to invest £20million in the campus over the next four years.

The project includes transformational improvements to sporting facilities and the construction of a state-of-the-art international school.

Mr Johnson said: “It’s a privilege to join Taunton School at such an important time in its long history.

“There is great excitement about the future of Taunton School where our ambition and aspiration is underpinned by an ethos of humility and lack of pretension.

“The pursuit of excellence in both academic achievement and in a wealth of opportunities beyond the classroom is accompanied by an equal focus on wellbeing and the happiness of our pupils.

"I’m delighted to be a part of this journey.”

Mr Johnson started his career as an English teacher and has previously worked at Cheltenham College and Tonbridge School.

He replaces Lee Glaser, who stood down after leading Taunton School for eight years.