A FORMER professional footballer has been appointed the principal of The King Alfred School Academy, in Highbridge.

Dan Milford takes on the role after seven months as the acting principal.

Mr Milford has been vice principal at TKASA for three years, and was previously assistant principal at Worle Community School Academy.

His appointment comes at a time when TKASA is soaring in a wide range of different areas - four years after becoming part of The Priory Learning Trust (TPLT).

And its high-performing school-based sixth form has become one of the best in Britain.

Mr Milford, who has enjoyed 25 years' leadership and teaching experience, said: “I absolutely love this brilliant school and am very excited to take on the role of principal.

“The students, staff and wider community are all really supportive of the incredible things that have been going on for the last few years. It is a real community partnership.”

Mr Milford was a former professional and semi professional footballer before taking the route into teaching, and he ended his playing career with Bridgwater Town.

He is a family man with three children, one of whom teaches within TPLT.

Neville Coles, TPLT chief executive said: “This is a superb appointment. We have seen some rapid improvements at TKASA and something really special is happening at the academy and Sixth Form.”