A NEW principal has been appointed and will take the helm at The Bourne Academy in January 2015.

Mark Avoth is currently principal of Avon Valley College near Salisbury, a school which has been praised and rated ‘good’ in its latest Ofsted inspection.

Mr Avoth, who has been at Avon Valley College for four years, has been a regular visitor to The Bourne Academy in his role as an associate of the Partners in Excellence Club. He succeeds Jackie Steel.

He said: “I have been impressed by the staff and students on all my visits, and feel that the Academy’s ethos and approach match my own.

“This is an exciting time in the Academy’s history and I look forward to being part of it.”