Bristol Cathedral Choir School, which became an academy in September, has appointed a director of music.

Eiron Bailey will take up the post in January for the city's oldest school, which was the first choir school in the country to make the switch to academy status.

Principal Neil Blundell said: "There could scarcely be a more exciting time to take charge of music at Bristol Cathedral Choir School.

"We have invested in a purpose-built music centre in our new building and have adopted the subject as our principal specialism, while maintaining our centuries-old role of providing the young choristers for the cathedral choir."

Mr Bailey said: "I am very excited to be appointed. There is clearly so much potential, and I am looking forward to seeing how the music specialism can impact the school.

"I want to maintain the tradition of excellence that is already at BCCS – it is really important our top ensembles are of national status, performing in national festivals and competitions.

"I'm aiming to promote a culture of music-making, especially in the sixth form – and not just among music A-level students.

"There is a great tradition of BCCS music students going on to leading universities and conservatoires."

Mr Bailey, a trumpet-player, was head of music at Cotham School and is director of music at Thornbury Choral Society.

He hopes to encourage all Year 7 pupils at the School to sing together and wants the school to be known for excellence across a wide range of music, not only classical.

"I want to open up access to music throughout the school," he said.

"That includes access to different styles of music; encouraging pop music and world music, for example."