by Sam Lennon

Norton Knatchbull School in Ashford was one of the few secondary schools that remained open during today's big freeze.

The Ashford school in Hythe Road carried on after three-quarters of staff and two-thirds of pupils were able to turn up.

A number of pupils were still dropped off by their parents by car despite the hazardous driving conditions.

And head teacher John Speller (pictured) managed to struggle in through icy country roads from Cranbrook.

Mr Speller said today: "Because we still had two-thirds of pupils and three-quarters of staff we were still able to operate.

"Some did arrive late inevitably because of the conditions and while we are open at the moment we do not rule out closing later.

"I can't comment about other schools being closed because I don't know their situation."

Secondary schools that were reported closed today were Ashford Christ Church, The North School, The Towers and Homewood in Tenterden

Primaries listed as shut were Beaver Green, Brook, East Stour, Egerton, High Halden, John Wesley in Singleton, Kingsnorth, St Michael's in Tenterden, St Michael's in Ashford, Stowting, Victoria Road in Ashford and Willesborough Infant.

South Kent College's Ashford branch was also shut along with the town's Wyvern special school.