The head of school at a large secondary compared to Belmarsh prison has resigned to take up another job in the same trust.

Kate Girling has stepped down from her role at Meopham School in Wrotham Road, Gravesend.

Parents were sent an email on Wednesday informing them she was resigning due to personal reasons.

The secondary is a part of Swale Academies' Trust, which runs 19 schools and whose chief executive Jon Whitcombe has also left this month.

He was due to depart the trust next March but made the decision to step down six months early.

An email to parents from the trust's director of secondary, Suzanna Dickinson, explained Mrs Girling would be taking up a new position within the organisation.

She added: "I am delighted to report Glenn Prebble has been appointed as head teacher.

"He will take over from Monday, November 7. He will be joined by Simon Cox, who will replace Nicki Hodges as executive head teacher.

"Mr Prebble is an established and highly experienced head who has worked for the trust for many years.

"His appointment will ensure the school continues to grow and thrive, and he will build upon the existing significant strengths already established.

"Mr Prebble is very much looking forward to taking up his position at the school after the half-term break.

"He will be meeting pupils and staff this week, and will be making contact with parents at the start of next term.

"We will be running a series of 'meet the head teacher' sessions in November and providing parents with the opportunity to tour the school during the working day."

The school has been criticised in recent months for its handling of violent incidents, including a young boy who was punched outside a pub, and a furious mum who feared for her children's safety and compared the school to the infamous Belmarsh prison.

Gravesend mum Alexandra Mason said her twins, including her transgender daughter, had been physically and verbally abused.