THE WARMEST welcome has been extended as an Exminster school announces its new headteacher.

Daniel Ayling will step into the new role as head of the New School from September.

The New School, Exeter, is an independent pre-prep for boys and girls from nursery to Year two.

Mr Ayling, is an innovative, dynamic teacher and leader, who is passionate about early years education.

He graduated from Cambridge University with an MA in Education and English.

He also completed his teacher training, with Key Stage 1 specialism, at Cambridge and later achieved the National Professional Qualification for Headship at the UCL Institute of Education.

Since relocating to Devon in 2018, Mr Ayling has helped establish ACE Tiverton Special School, a brand-new free school for secondary children with autism spectrum condition.

As deputy headteacher with responsibility for teaching, learning and curriculum, he oversaw the expansion of the school from 35 to 75 students in its first few years of opening in a £4.5 million rebuild.

He is also a founding member of the Chartered College of Teaching, an Apple teacher and a Microsoft innovative educator.

Mr Ayling said he was delighted and privileged to have been given the exciting opportunity to lead The New School.

‘I was immediately struck by the warm, friendly atmosphere and beautiful setting. It is a very special place where happy children flourish, and I am really looking forward to making it an integral part of the Exeter School family.’

Exeter School head Louise Simpson said ‘We are delighted to have been able to appoint someone of Daniel’s calibre..’ Louise described him as having ‘vision’ and ‘energy.’