A Sheerness primary, which is among the most deprived in the county, has been selected for a role to help struggling schools.

Rose Street has been designated as a National Support School (NSS), by the National College for Teaching and Leadership.

This means staff there will be providing tailor-made help and guidance to other teachers in challenging situations.

Steven Connors, the executive head teacher of the Sheerness West Federation, which includes West Minster and Rose Street, was appointed a National Leader of Education (NLE) at his previous school in Hertfordshire in February 2011.

NLE’s usually work alongside their teachers to provide leadership where it is needed in the UK.

Rose Street was rated “good” by Ofsted last December. At the time, it was found to be the third most deprived school in the county by Kent County Council.

It is now one of 800 NSSs in England. The Department for Education has a national target to appoint 1,000 NLEs and NSSs by 2014-15.

Mr Connors said: “I am delighted that the high standards of achievement at Rose Street, led by head of school, Julie Holmes and her team, have been recognised nationally.

“The NSS status will give the staff at Rose Street the opportunity to share their skills and expertise with other schools.

“It is also very good that an Isle of Sheppey school has been recognised, as there are many good educational practices on the Island, which deserve to be acknowledged.

“This is a great honour for our school community.”

Jim Duncan, chairman of governors of the Sheerness West Federation, said: “This is excellent news for education on the Isle of Sheppey.

“I am very proud of Julie Holmes’ team for making this possible and of Mr Connors for securing this.

“Recognition at a national level is a prodigious accomplishment and we will continue to build on this for our children and the community.”