James Johnson, currently Head of Senior School at Ardingly College in Sussex, will take up the position in September 2022, replacing Lee Glaser who is standing down after eight years at the helm.
Chair of Governors, Henry Keeling, said: “We are thrilled that Mr Johnson will be taking over the reins at Taunton School. His passion for heading up an all-through, co-educational school such as ours with its breadth of provision and global outlook shone through at every stage of the selection process.
“Mr Glaser’s successful leadership of Taunton School had set a very high benchmark when it came to choosing a successor,” said Mr Keeling. “Mr Johnson brings a wealth of experience and talent with him,” he added. “We believe he is the perfect fit for Taunton School.”
Mr Johnson is married with two children. He began his career as an English teacher at Cheltenham College, before becoming a Housemaster at Tonbridge School in Kent, joining Ardingly College in 2016.
As a student he read English at University College London, took an MPhil at Trinity College, Dublin and completed his PGCE at Cambridge University.
Mr Johnson said:
“It is a privilege to have been appointed as the next Head of Taunton School. I am especially excited about meeting pupils, staff, parents and alumni in the coming months.”
He said the school’s ‘lack of pretension, its breadth of academic pathways and its co-curricular opportunities as well as Taunton’s focus on wellbeing and the global community’ were all huge attractions to the role for him.
Mr Glaser said he was delighted about Mr Johnson’s appointment.
“As much as I will miss Taunton, I am thrilled that James will be taking over the running of this amazing school from me.
“This year we are celebrating our 175th anniversary and with James at the helm, I have no doubt that Taunton School is entering a very exciting phase of its ongoing development.
“He is a very caring man who shares my passion for challenging, nurturing and inspiring young people to succeed in a global community.”
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