THE appointment of a new principal at the Cotswold School has been welcomed by staff and students.

Will Morgan will be taking over the reins from January 1 next year to replace Ann Holland who is retiring after 16 years.

As former deputy head and head of sixth, Mr Morgan faced stiff competition for the role which was advertised nationally.

Amanda Everitt, Chair of Governors, said that competition was fierce.

She said: “The number and quality of applicants for the Principal role was extremely high which made the Selection Panel’s role very challenging indeed.

“Will Morgan was put to the test against some of the best applicants from across the country.

By any measure, he proved himself to be the right person for the role of Principal at The Cotswold School.”

Gloucestershire’s longest serving Headteacher Mrs Holland, who led the school when it was converted to one of the country’s first Academies, is delighted at the appointment.

“I am confident he will prove an excellent Principal who will ensure that The Cotswold School continues as one of the very best schools in the country,” she said.

Staff and pupils are equally pleased by the appointment which was greeted with loud applause and congratulations at the school’s weekly staff briefing.

Sixth form pupil Giselle O’Meara said: “In the short time I have been here, Mr Morgan has been very supportive and unlike many others in his position, Mr Morgan has the ability to look at school life from a student’s perspective as well as from a teacher’s.”

Mr Morgan said: “It is a very great privilege to become Principal of a school that I have been in for so long and care so much about.”