THE new headmaster at Taunton Prep School is already well known to colleagues.

Ed Burnett takes up the post after serving as senior deputy head at Taunton School.

As deputy head pastoral and designated safeguarding lead, Mr Burnett, who joined Taunton School in 2015 was responsible for the pastoral care of 1,200 pupils from the nursery through to Year 13.

In recent years, he has served as senior deputy head responsible for much of the day-to-day management of the senior school.

In his new role, Mr Burnett will have oversight of more than 500 children across the prep, pre-prep and nursery sections of Taunton’s family of schools.

“‘I am delighted and honoured to be the next head of Taunton Prep School,” said Mr Burnett.

“The school’s values and commitment to each individual child and the desire to offer such a broad educational experience sit well with me.

“The community at the prep school is so welcoming and friendly.

"I look forward to building on these strengths in the years to come."

Before joining Taunton School, Mr Burnett worked at Cranleigh School in Surrey for 14 year where he was head of rugby, head of department and a housemaster.

He also taught at an international school in Hong Kong.

James Johnson, head of Taunton School, said: “We were delighted by the quality of applicants for this role, but Ed’s knowledge and understanding of the school, his reputation and credibility with the parents, pupils and staff and the vision he shared for the future of TPS during the interview process made him the first choice.”