A NEW principal has been appointed to take over the reigns at The King Alfred School in September when the current headteacher steps down.

Nathan Jenkins, who is currently the principal at Abertillery Learning Community School in South Wales, will take over from Denise Hurr at the end of this academic year.

Previously, he has been a Deputy Head in South Wales and was at John Cabot Academy in Bristol for 10 years as head of design technology before being promoted to assistant principal.

The new appointment comes after Mrs Hurr announced in February that she would be stepping down from the role following a period of poor health.

Mr Jenkins was put through a rigorous interview process involving The Priory Learning Trust (TPLT), students and staff and said he hopes to build on improvements the school is making to improve its 'inadequate' Ofsted rating.

"I’m delighted at being appointed to the post at The King Alfred School and really looking forward to starting," Mr Jenkins said.

“The children and staff I have met so far have been delightful and displayed a real passion and pride in their school.

“With their support and that of TPLT I am confident we can continue to build on the improvements that have already started at The King Alfred School and together we will build the high performing school that the community deserves.”

Mr Jenkins' appointment was announced in a letter to parents this week.

He met parents and students for the first time at a Year 6 parents evening at the school on Thursday (May 10).

Neville Coles, executive principal of The Priory Learning Trust, said: "We are delighted at this appointment. Nathan has an excellent track record of school improvement and is ambitious to make this school one of the best around.”

Mr Jenkins will begin on a one-year fixed contract in the first instance, after the appointment by the Interim Executive Board, Somerset Local Authority and The Priory Learning Trust.

He will start at the school on September 1.