KING'S College in Taunton had appointed a new director of development.

Phillip Rothwell takes up the post in the school's development office in September.

Mr Rothwell joins King's from Warwick Schools Foundation, where he set up the development office in 2011 and has been foundation director of development for the past five years, responsible for the communities of all the schools in the foundation.

He was born in Leamington Spa and attended Warwick School before reading theology and religion at Durham University.

He pursued a career in philanthropy for education, starting at the University of Warwick and then London Business School, before returning to his alma mater, Warwick School, in 2011.

Over 12 years, he has raised funds for bursaries and capital projects and has a particular passion for widening access to independent education having himself received an assisted place to attend Warwick as a boy.

Mr Rothwell said: “I am excited to join the King’s College community and look forward to working with alumni, parents and friends to build on strong networks and help to support the education of children in our schools.”

The development office at King’s fosters goodwill in the wider community through fundraising activities to support the strategic plan.

The latest example of this includes the recently opened sixth form centre, which was partly financed through the generosity of several alumni and other supporters of the school. The new building is helping to ensure that King’s "remains the school of choice in the South West for intellectually curious and academically minded pupils".

Headmaster Michael Sloan said: “I am delighted to welcome Phillip to King’s.

"He has an outstanding track record and is one of the most highly regarded professionals within the development sector in the country.

"I know Phillip’s work will help to make a transformational impact on the lives of our pupils here at the school.”