A secondary school once compared to Belmarsh prison owing to alleged weekly incidents of violence has appointed a new head teacher to move it on to “greater success”.

Ethan Roberts will take over as principal at Meopham School from Glenn Prebble, who has been in the role for the past two years, following a “competitive selection process”.

The current deputy head teacher in Basildon, Essex has introduced himself to parents ahead of starting the job in September.

He hopes to move the secondary school, in Wrotham Road, Meopham, near Gravesend, forward while also placing a focus on traditional values.

Mr Roberts said: “I know there is nothing more important to you than your child’s welfare and their future.

“This is why, as a school, we will take this responsibility incredibly seriously and do all we can to ensure your children go on to lead successful and happy lives.

“Pupils get one shot at education and we intend to get it right.”

The philosophy and English teacher says he has high aspirations for pupils and wants to build closer links with the Meopham community as part of his ambitious plan for the secondary school’s future.

A spokesperson from the Swale Academies Trust, which runs the school, said, “We would like to acknowledge the contribution Mr Prebble has made to Meopham School over the past couple of years and we are pleased that he remains a part of our family of schools.

“After a high-quality and competitive selection process, we are delighted that Mr Roberts will be joining our team.

“He has high standards and high aspirations for the school, which is exactly what Meopham School needs to move it on to even greater success.

“We believe he will generate an ethos of excellence and have a real impact on achievement.”

Mr Prebble took over the leadership role in 2022 when then head teacher Kate Girling stood down due to personal reasons.

It came after the school was criticised for its handling of violent incidents, including a young boy who was punched outside a pub, and a furious mum who compared it to Belmarsh prison.

Last year, the school’s overall rating slipped under new framework guidelines put in place by the education regulator.

It had previously been rated outstanding following an inspection in 2019 and had been flooded with pupils eager to join.

But its rating was downgraded to “good” following its most recent inspection in April last year, with areas for improvement including attendance and behaviour.

Mr Prebble will now be returning to his permanent role as head teacher at The Holmesdale School, in Snodland.