A man who grew up in north Kent has been appointed as the first headteacher of an academy opening in Dartford next year.

Gavin Barnett has been confirmed as the head of Stone Lodge School which is run by Endeavour Multi Academy Trust.

Brought up in Gravesend and living in Greenhithe, Mr Barnett has 18 years' experience of teaching across Kent and London.

He is currently the senior vice-principal at the Harris Academy in Orpington where he has "overseen a transformation in improving student outcomes".

Mr Barnett said: “I am delighted to have been chosen for such an important and exciting role. I attended a non-selective school and am aware that with the correct support every child can achieve their best results.

“My passion is to make sure that children in Stone and the surrounding area are given the best chance to make a success of their future by choosing Stone Lodge School.

“This will be achieved by ensuring the students have consistently high quality learning experiences, and I can’t wait to start collaborating with leaders at Wilmington Grammar School for Boys and Wilmington Grammar School for Girls, to grow a brand new, exceptional, community school.”

Donna Lodge, CEO at Endeavour MAT, said: “It is wonderful to find someone with such drive and enthusiasm to lead the first non-selective school in Endeavour MAT.

“I am confident Gavin will make an outstanding headteacher and lead the school through the exciting challenges that lay ahead.”

Stone Lodge School is due to open in September 2019.