KINGSMEAD Primary at Canterbury was once a failing school whose future was far from secure. But now there are good reasons to celebrate.

The school has been especially praised by the Chief Inspector for Schools. In his annual report, inspector David Bell describes Kingsmead as a "high achieving" school.

He has also written to the head teacher, Kate Hester, congratulating her and the staff and governors, saying it is "a singular honour" for the school to be identified in the annual report.

Kingsmead, which recently celebrated its centenary, came out of special measures just over a year ago. Chairman of the governors Martin Vye said: "I am delighted that the achievement of our school has been recognised at the highest level. It is not so long ago that our head teacher and her team, backed by the governors, brought the school out of special measures in quick time.

"This recognition is proof that the school is seen as providing an excellent education for our children.

"Of course, our main emphasis is on the key subjects, such as literacy and numeracy. However, I am delighted we have been able to develop other areas of the curriculum, such as French and music.

"The recognition of the Chief Inspector for Schools encourages us to believe that we can face the challenges of the next century with considerable optimism."

Mrs Hester added: "It is an accolade which everyone at the school is very proud of. The school has a lovely atmosphere and while we have longer term ambitions to relocate, we are opening a new computer room in March and an adventure playground at Easter."