A new head teacher will take over the reigns at Astor College for the Arts as of today.

Lee Kane, 44, leaves Brockhill Park Performing Arts College in Saltwood, Hythe, where he taught for 19 years and was the vice principal.

He had the responsibility of looking after the school’s sixth form centre and spent some of his years teaching A-level psychology.

Astor College made headlines last year because it underwent two Ofsted inspections which found the school to "require improvement" in all categories.

The 988-pupil school had its first inspection on March 26 and 27 but a report was not published because it was deemed “incomplete.”

This was followed by an apology from the schools inspector, which went back for a second inspection over two days in July, just before the summer holidays.

The full report was published on September 9.

Mr Kane said: “Astor College is a thriving school with an excellent reputation for its arts provision.

"I’m looking forward to working with staff, parents and students to improve the overall performance of the school.”

Mr Kane lives in Hawkinge with his wife and two teenage daughters.

He also has a strong sporting background and has represented Lancashire in hockey and athletics.

Since the former head, Ed Pallant, left last summer, Sue Knight-Fotheringham stepped in temporarily.

She is the principal at Dover’s White Cliffs Primary College for the Arts in St Radigund’s Road.

An Astor College spokesman said: “We welcome Lee Kane and recognise his experience and enthusiasm will be of great benefit to the school.

“We would also like to thank Mrs Knight-Fotheringham for the superb job she has done as acting principal.”