A former rugby international is preparing to tackle children at the Sackville School.

John Hewitt, who played for Ireland, the Barbarians and captained London Irish, will become headmaster of the school, in Hildenborough's Tonbridge Road, this September.

He is currently working with the Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA) to try and bring about A Level reform as part of a government initiative.

In the past Mr Hewitt has held positions of responsibility in a variety of UK state and independent schools.

Most recently he served as headmaster at Bredon School, in Tewkesbury, and in the past was deputy dead at Churcher’s College, Petersfield.

Mr Hewitt has also been a boarding housemaster at Sevenoaks School.

Mr Hewitt said: “I am really looking forward to joining Sackville School and to the task of building on the strengths of the school in the coming years.

“I will work closely with the pupils, staff and parents to maintain its happy, caring atmosphere and community spirit.”