The head of a school which suffered a serious blaze has reassured parents she will do all she can to keep disruption to pupils to a minimum.

An investigation has been launched following a suspicious fire at St James' Primary on the Isle of Grain.

The fire broke out just after 1am this morning in a classroom.

Claire Wooding Herring posted these pictures online with the caption: "So sad for our little village" and many agree.

One mum said: "So sad my little girl only started nursery there in September she will be so sad."

Lauren Elizabeth Dance commented: "Awful!! I really hope it hasn't been done on purpose!! Poor children, parents & teachers."

Fire crews remained at the scene to damp down and check for any remaining hot spots until 5.30am.

One fire crew and a police van were still at the school at 10am and crime scene investigators have been at the site today as worried parents turned up outside to see the damage for themselves.

Photos show a large part of the school has been destroyed.

Kent Fire and Rescue said the school has suffered around 60% damage with smoke damage throughout.

The cause of the fire is now under investigation.

Pupils are due back at the school, which is an academy, on November 7, after the autumn half-term break.

A statement on the school's website, said the sponsors are working with the governing body to put contingency measures in place for the start of term.

Head teacher Ruth Sivarajah said: "The main priority of our plans will focus on providing continuity in the education for all the pupils at the school in order to ensure that any disruption to teaching and learning is kept to a minimum whilst the school building is rebuilt and refurbished."

Parents are due to receive a letter from the governors next week to provide further updates.