The head of one of Britain's most historic grammar schools is facing a revolt... with some students and staff claiming he has turned it into a 'characterless exam factory'.

More than 800 people - some claiming to be staff - have signed an online petition protesting about John Weeds who took charge at Cranbrook School in Kent a year ago.

Critics have accused the 50-year-old of abandoning the traditions of the school which was granted its charter by Elizabeth I in 1574.

He has been labelled "totalitarian" after cancelling a popular sponsored charity walk because it meant missing a day of lessons.

There have also been concerns pupils have been disciplined for shouting "wahey" in the school canteen.

An online petition calling for the head to stand down has been signed by 832 people since pupils returned to the boarding school last week.

One opponent who says they are a teacher, wrote: "It is a symptom of the regime of fear, intimidation and threats that we all work under that I do not openly give my name.

"I used to work in a cheery, successful Cranbrook School community where the very concept of students openly voicing worries and complaints was cherished, where staff had the ear of management and issues were openly discussed and solved.

"Alas, we are now in a regime where the voice and opinion of one man alone reigns supreme."

The rumblings of discontent began when the head, appointed at the start of the 2012 academic year, cancelled a longstanding sponsored walk.

Organisers angrily claimed the event was the source of £11,000 - more than half the school's annual donation to charity.

There have also been complaints a new dress code for six-formers is not traditional enough.

Mr Weeds yesterday dismissed the protest petition - which has now been taken down - as an online "forum for discussion".

He said: "This is an opportunity for people to vent. We live in an age where social media, while positive and useful at times, can be harmful.

"Heads today have to get used to this kind of thing. Quite often young people are the victims of such comments, but this time it is me.

"It is quite stressful, but it is also a challenge.

"I am heartened by the many messages of support I have received from staff, parents and pupils.

"We are aware of student concerns about the future of charitable fundraising at the school, as expressed in the petition. These concerns are completely unfounded."

Mr Holiday, chairman of the school's governors, has come out in defence of the under-fire headmaster and said the sponsored walk had only been postponed.

He said: "This was a sad reflection on those seeking to uphold historical Cranbrook traditions.

"It was in anybody's terms, frankly distasteful, and amounted to cyber bullying."

Cranbrook School was founded in 1518 for poor boys of the Kent town before getting its charter in 1574.

It is now a mixed gender state school and provides boarding facilities for its 823 pupils at a cost of nearly £11,000 per year.

It was recently rated as "outstanding" by Ofsted.