A TEACHER whose first passion is English has set out her vision for a grammar school.

Mary Smith, the new head at Maidstone Grammar School for Girls, is in the first few weeks of her headship, having come from the position of deputy head at Medway’s Rainham Mark Grammar School.

Mrs Smith brings nearly 30 years of teaching experience to the role. She began her career in secondary schools and also speant 10 years as an English lecturer at Mid Kent College, Maidstone, in the 1980s and 1990s.

She is married with four children, two of which are still in school. Of her other two, one is in the legal profession and the other is training to be a doctor.

Mrs Smith said: "I want students to feel they are encouraged, challenged and supported and I certainly want them to enjoy their time at school and to feel secure.

"We value tradition but also want to make sure students are equipped for the modern world."