The officer will patrol the schools' grounds and surrounding areas

The PCSO will patrol the grounds of the Cornwallis and New Line Learning Academies in Maidstone, which cover three sites, and the surrounding areas.

Transport routes to and from the three sites will also be covered by the support officer.

Kent Police Youth Crime Reduction Officer, Paul Richardson, said the PCSO would provide "high visibility reassurance" to students and staff.

He said: "It's hoped by providing these schools with their very own PCSO, it will forge an even stronger relationship between the police and pupils, by encouraging youngsters to report wrongdoing, while discouraging anti-social behaviour."

David Keenan, of the South Maidstone Federation, which covers the schools, said: "We are delighted to welcome our new PCSO Ben Mathews to our two new academies, covering three sites, in South Maidstone.