A THIRD new head teacher in a year has been announced for a troubled West Somerset school - the 13th appointment in the past 12 years.

Jo Smith will move from head of the Moorland Federation’s St Dubricious First School, in Porlock, to take over Danesfield Middle School, Williton, in September.

Danesfield’s interim head Wayne Randle, who took charge this week after the retirement of David Terry, will lead the school until the end of the summer term.

Mrs Smith said: “I am truly excited to be joining the Danesfield community.

“I look forward to working alongside the dedicated staff, parents, and local community to create an environment where kindness, ambition, and opportunity are at the core of everything we do.

“My vision is to develop a school where every student is encouraged to reach their full potential, both academically and personally, and where we foster a supportive, inclusive environment where all thrive together.”

Beacon Education trustees chairman Andy Giles said: “Jo stood out as an inspiring and compassionate leader, with the experience and vision needed to lead Danesfield into its next chapter.

“Her appointment marks a positive step forward for the school and for education in West Somerset.

“With a strong track record of school improvement, Jo brings a wealth of experience in school leadership and improvement from successful work in both rural and city settings.”

Mr Giles said Mrs Smith’s appointment would open even closer working practices between Beacon and the Moorland Federation for the benefit of all pupils in the area with ‘greater aligned partnership working’.

A federation spokesperson said: “While we are, of course, sad to see Jo move on from both St Dubricius and our federation, we are incredibly proud of all she has achieved during her time with us.

“Her dedication, leadership, and passion for education have made a lasting impact on the school community and the lives of many children.

“We are thrilled that Jo will remain working locally and are excited about the opportunity this brings to strengthen partnerships between the Moorland Federation and the Beacon Trust.

“We know Jo will bring the same energy, vision, and compassion to her new role at Danesfield and wish her every success.”

The spokesperson said in the meantime, the federation was carefully considering its leadership plans to ensure St Dubricius and Oaks Nursery continued to thrive.

They said: “With the strength of our staff team and the support of the wider federation, we are confident this new chapter will be one of continued success and growth.”

Mrs Smith’s Danesfield appointment comes after the collapse in February of a planned merger between Beacon Education and the larger Bath and Wells Multi Academy Trust.

Education inspectorate Ofsted has rated Danefield as ‘requires improvement’, and Mrs Smith’s previous experience includes helping to guide schools from ‘requires improvement’ to ‘good’.

Her recent work has included supporting other heads within the Moorland Federation, consulting for local trusts, and delivering training to postgraduate certificate in education students (PGCE) on the Somerset Centre for Integrated Learning (SCIL) programme.