A clear message of support from parents and governors has paved the way to resurrect Walmer Science College from special measures.

said she has now been given the go ahead to deliver her promises and reshape the school's future after a "positive" meeting with about 100 parents.Julia ScannellNew head teacher

She said: "It gives me the mandate to carry on because the parents and the governors are supportive.

"We now have to make sure we deliver our promises -I've got to do what I say I'm going to do."

A damning Ofsted report in June has led to the Salisbury Road school being placed in special measures and former head teacher Simon Heaton resigned a month later after a period of authorised absence.

Standards of teaching were criticised by inspectors during the two-day survey and leadership needed to be strengthened.

The gimmicky house system and the advanced curriculum, where some pupils sit GCSEs in year 8, is also being reviewed.

"Parents were anxious, obviously there were some things they really wanted to explain to us about what had gone wrong, but generally speaking they approved of what we've already done."

Mrs Scannell said the announcement that the advanced curriculum would be scrapped for most of the school's 734 pupils received a round of applause.

"We were honest and open with them and they were honest and open in return."

The new head has been joined by Paul Luxmoore, executive head.

* For full story see page three, East Kent Mercury, July 21.