The UK's oldest school has appointed its first ever female head teacher since it was founded more than 1,400 years ago.

Jude Lowson says taking up the position at The King's School in Canterbury is a "tremendous honour".

The public school - which costs £13,550 per term for boarding - was originally founded in the city in 597.

Notable former pupils at the school include playwright Christopher Marlowe, writers W. Somerset Maugham and Michael Morpurgo - and filmmaker Michael Powell.

Ms Lowson is described as having "exceptional academic credentials", having worked in some of the UK's top performing schools.

She is currently the acting head of King’s College School, Wimbledon. Before that, she was deputy head, academic at Putney High having started her teaching career at Whitgift School. She holds an MA in History from the University of Cambridge.

"It is a tremendous honour to have been appointed to the position of Head of King’s, Canterbury," Ms Lowson said.

"The school has an enviable reputation for co-curricular and academic excellence, and I am excited to have the opportunity to strengthen this further whilst also cherishing the unique ethos of this very special school.

"The school’s character, exceptional facilities and historic setting mean that it is perfectly placed to provide an outstanding education for its pupils, preparing them for an exciting and fulfilling future.

"I am very much looking forward to leading the school in its next chapter."

She originally started her career in some of the UK's leading communications agencies and started her education career in 2010.

In a post on Facebook, The King's School shared: "Importantly, she brings a fresh and modern outlook, a focus on the future and a great sense of ambition for the school matched by an authentic connection with its values and ethos."