A FORMER captain in the Royal Marines has been appointed the new head of Christ College, Brecon.

Gareth Pearson will succeed outgoing head Emma Taylor in September. Ms Taylor was appointed in 2006 and became the independent school’s first ever female headteacher in September 2007.

Mr Pearson, who is 41, is currently the senior deputy head at Lord Wandsworth College, Long Sutton in Hampshire.

Christ College said Ms Taylor will take up a new appointment at Dean Close School in Cheltenham in September after 10 "highly successful years leading Christ College".

Sir Paul Silk, chair of governors at Christ College said: "The governing body is delighted to make this announcement following a rigorous selection procedure which attracted outstanding applicants.

"A very warm welcome to one of Wales’ oldest schools awaits Gareth and his wife Rhian, together with their children Rhys and Molly."

The school, which was founded in 1541, said Mr Pearson will bring his teaching and leadership experience from roles as housemaster at Wellington College and maths teacher at Millfield School, in addition to expertise from his earlier career as a Captain in the Royal Marines.

He said: "It is a tremendous privilege to have been appointed as the new Head at Christ College Brecon. I am inspired by the history of this school as well as the genuine warmth of the pupils and staff I have met. My family and I can’t wait to move to this beautiful area of Wales and I look forward to building on the impressive legacy left by Emma Taylor."