A former international rugby player has become the new headteacher at a school in Tonbridge.

John Hewitt, who is a former Irish Rugby International, Barbarian and captain for London Irish, has taken up the position at Sackville School in Hildenborough.

He has previously held positions of responsibility in a variety of UK state and independent schools including a number of years as a Housemaster at Sevenoaks School.

An experienced teacher of economics to both A Level and international baccalaureate and formerly a senior examiner, he has been reflecting on his first half term at the helm of Sackville.

He said: "The beginning of an academic year is a busy time in every school but as a new Head teacher the challenge is to hit the ground running, immersing oneself in the organisation of the school whilst getting to know the students and staff.

"However, this challenge has been made easy for me as Sackville is a small, friendly school so I have been able to get to know everyone quickly.

"This, of course, is key to understanding each student’s talents and aspirations and fundamental to ensuring that they realise their potential.

"This, of course, is key to understanding each student’s talents and aspirations and fundamental to ensuring that they realise their potential" - John Hewitt...

"No new Head teacher wants to make changes for changes sake but it is important to quickly identify where improvements can be made to build on past success and this is my objective for the coming year.

"I have already introduced a greatly enhanced after school, extra-curricular programme providing even more opportunities for students and providing value for money for parents."

Mr Hewitt said accepting the offer of the headship at the school was an easy decision to make as he was already familiar with it.

He added: "Having been a Housemaster at Sevenoaks School for many years I know the area well and still have friends living locally meaning that I have been able to quickly settle here.

"I am therefore confident that I can make a significant contribution to Sackville and lead it to greater success whilst maintaining the values and atmosphere which make it a truly unique school.

My experience as a rugby player at club level and internationally taught me that being part of a team is an important foundation for success; a team is worth more than the sum of its parts and many of the fondest memories from my playing career are of the relationships with team mates.

"One of my main aspirations is for Sackville students and staffto embrace this whether through a wide range of academic, social or extra-curricular activity."