SIDCOT School’s long-serving headteacher is set to step down after a decade at the helm.

John Walmsley will leave to become principal of UWC Atlantic College in Cardiff from January 1, having worked at the school for the past 13 years.

Paul Whitehouse, the chairman of governors for the school said: “In the last 10 years as Head, John has been instrumental in building the school’s academic success leading Sidcot to be the best non-selective independent school in Bristol and Somerset for GCSE, A Level and IB Diploma results.”

Mr Walmsley said: “I have been very lucky to have had the great privilege of working at Sidcot for the last 13 years with the last 10 years as head.

“Sidcot is a very special place and I truly believe that the school is one of the very best in the country where the children receive a unique education based on accessible and forward looking Quaker principles.”