A boys' grammar school has revealed its new head teacher - but he won't take up the position until later in the year.

Ben Greene, who is currently in charge of a school in Chislehurst, is to take over from Susanne Staab at Norton Knatchbull in Hythe Road following an intensive selection process.

Mrs Staab, who had been in the position for eight years after joining the boys’ grammar in 2010, left the school at Christmas to focus on her "own career development".

She will be replaced by deputy head teacher Sue Kelly until Mr Greene takes over later in the year.

“I am thrilled to be joining Norton Knatchbull School and moving to a part of the country with a rich and diverse history,” said Mr Greene.

“I am the grandson of a migrant who came to this country with nothing in the midst of the Second World War.

“My father was the first in the family to be educated to A Level; I was the first to attend university.

“My family bear witness to the transformative effect of education.”

Mr Greene is currently head teacher of Bullers Wood School for Girls in Chislehurst which - like Knatchbull - caters for both girls and boys in the sixth form.

A graduate in history from Liverpool University, he has served as deputy head at the selective secondary Newstead Wood School in Orpington and as assistant head at the Uplands Community College in Wadhurst.

Mr Greene is likely to take charge of Knatchbull in the early summer.

Bosses say he will be involved in all major decisions affecting the school’s future during the interim period.

Chairman of governors David Race said: “We are keenly looking forward to his arrival.

“The school is greatly indebted to Ms Staab for her leadership and hard work over the last eight years and wishes her well for the future.

"She leaves Knatchbull in a much stronger position than when she first came.

“Her legacy is a firm foundation for future growth."