THE new head of Devizes School has placed raising expectations as his number one priority.

Julian Morgan, who was appointed in May to take over from Phil Bevan who has moved to Faringdon Community College, said: “I am determined to building on the improvements that have been made in recent years at the school.

“This is an academic year like no other, but it also gives us opportunity like no other year.

“We’ve a number of key priorities this year, but the key focus from day one has been to raise expectations.”

Mr Morgan was appointed by school the White Horse Federation, a multi-academy trust of primary schools, secondary schools, and special schools, where he worked as a director. He is now being supported at Devizes School by associate principal Sue Marshall.

Before joining Devizes, Mr Morgan has spent many years in leadership roles, including time as principal at a secondary school in Staffordshire where he took the school’s Ofsted rating from requires improvement to good.

He said he was impressed with the way the Devizes school community has adapted to the coronavirus restrictions.

He said: “The start of this term has taught me a lot about the wonderful staff and students here at Devizes School and Sixth Form College.

“People have been true to the core values of the school and shown kindness, cheerfulness, trust, courage, pride, and resilience.”

A spokesman for the federation said: “Everyone is looking forward to working with Mr Morgan to continue the school’s progress.”

He started his career as a history teacher before moving up the leadership ladder.

When appointed he said: “Devizes School finds itself in a very good position.

“Being a school principal is the best job in the world and I have missed it.” The school is rated as good by Ofsted.