A NEW principal has been appointed to lead the Quantock Academy, which hit the national headlines earlier this year over allegations that a teacher put sticky tape over the mouths of ten and 11-year-olds at one of its schools.

Former executive headteacher Ian Bradbury resigned in May, three weeks after he was suspended - a move which is believed to relate in part to the actions of the Danesfield Middle School teacher at the centre of the allegations, Spanish national Priscilla Davo.

Now governors at the academy, which also includes St Peter's and Old Cleeve first schools, have announced that 44-year-old Carl Winch will take over the helm from April.

Mr Winch, currently headteacher of St Mary's CE Middle School in Dorset, is understood to have been one of five candidates shortlisted.