The Revd Jo Stobart has been appointed as the next Archdeacon of Wells and Residentiary Canon of Wells Cathedral.

The Revd Jo Stobart has been appointed as the next Archdeacon of Wells and Residentiary Canon of Wells Cathedral.

She is expected to return to Bath and Wells in late autumn 2026 after serving as chaplain to the Bishop of Exeter.

Stobart succeeds Anne Gell, who stepped down earlier this month after nine years in the role.

Bishop Michael said he was excited by the appointment, praising Stobart's abilities and commitment to Somerset and rural ministry.

Stobart said: "I am overjoyed and honoured to be the next Archdeacon of Wells and Residentiary Canon of Wells Cathedral.

"The call to serve in this role was a tug at my vocational heart strings that I could not ignore."

She said she is looking forward to supporting parish communities across the Wells Archdeaconry and playing a part in the mission of the cathedral.

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Her husband Ian is a Reader, and the couple share an interest in shared ministry.

Stobart also hopes to bring her love of teaching and learning, particularly with children and young people, into her new role.

Dean of Wells Toby Wright praised the appointment and said Stobart had stood out from a strong field of candidates.

Stobart is originally from west London and trained as a primary school teacher.

She later established Southwark Cathedral's Education Centre and worked extensively in teaching in the south east.

She moved to Bath and Wells in 2006, where her journey to ordination began.

Stobart was ordained as a deacon at Wells Cathedral in 2015 and has since served as a vicar, assistant dean and area dean, alongside further theological study.

She has also represented the Church of England on bodies including General Synod and the Crown Nominations Commission.

Outside church life, she enjoys gardening, the arts, dog walking and spending time with family.

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