It is two and a half years since a fire ripped through a village school reducing it to a heap of rubble.

But St James’ Primary Academy on the Isle of Grain has risen from the ashes and is once again home to about 200 pupils and staff.

In a carnival style, all singing and dancing assembly complete with a steel band, the Bishop of Rochester, the Rt Rev James Langstaff, led the re-dedication.

It was a stark contrast to the sadness and gloom which rocked the tight-knit community in the early hours of October 30, 2016.

The historic school had to be virtually rebuilt and children were dispatched to neighbouring Allhallows Primary Academy.

In a bid to keep the family church school together, Years 1 to 6 were taught by their teachers of their original class groups at Allhallows.

Only the reception group remained on site as their classroom was not affected.

Head teacher Fay Cordingley said: “I have always believed this day would happen, but didn’t realise what a wonderful building it would be.

“We moved in together a few months ago but it is only now that we feel embedded.”

She told her pupils: “A decision could have been made not to rebuild but this shows to you all how much your are valued by the community, the church and the council.

“The community of St James has risen and will continue to flourish.”

The bishop unveiled a plaque and cut a cake in the bright new spacious school hall.

He said he remembered the devastation when he came to the school immediately after the fire.

He said: “The school might not have been rebuilt. This shows what an important part of the community it is. Without everybody making their contribution it would not have happened.

“It’s not just the building but the people who make it.

“St James has truly risen from the ashes.”

The cause of the blaze remains unknown.

Police launched an investigation and it was initially thought to be suspicious.

However, no arrests were made and the case has been concluded.