WILTSHIRE teacher Phil Bevan has been named as the new head of Devizes School.

Mr Bevan, who at the moment is principal of Hanham Woods Academy in Bristol, will take over at Devizes after the Easter break.

Sue Marshall has been acting head at Devizes since former headmaster Malcolm Irons retired in the summer.

Mr Bevan writing on his school's website said: "Devizes is very close to where I live in Wiltshire. Devizes is a great school, very similar to Hanham in many respects and offers me an excellent opportunity to take up my second headship. I am also taking this decision based on my own well-being and that of my family in terms of working much closer to home in a part of the country where I grew up.

"By Easter of 2016 I will have been at Hanham for 3 years as Headteacher/Principal and almost 8 and half years in total at the school. I absolutely love working at the academy. It has been a key part of my life for a significant part of my teaching career. I have always said that the best feature of Hanham are the people – students are engaging and staff are warm and welcoming."

Chairman of the governors of Devizes School David Bousfield said in a letter to parents: "Following recent interviews, The Governors of Devizes School are pleased to announce that Philip Bevan, currently Principal at Hanham Woods Academy, Bristol, has been appointed Headteacher from Easter 2016. Until that time the school will continue to be led by Sue Marshall, acting headteacher."