The former headteacher of Thursby Primary School has won an award for her kindergarten in Thailand.

Beverley Petch, headteacher of Kensington International Kindergarten in Bangkok, has accepted the award for International Kindergarten of the Year from the the National Day Nurseries Association following a successful inspection.

Idea Early Learning Centre in the United Arab Emirates was the runner up for the award.

Kensington International Kindergarten is the first school outside of the UK to receive platinum status.

Beverley said: “When I asked the inspector what we could work on to continue improving, she said, ‘Nothing, just keep on doing what you are doing now’.”

She was presented with the award at a ceremony in Warwickshire in June - where she was joined by the directors of the school, Nitiphan Phanwiroj and his wife Varaporn Kanchanawat.

Beverley commented: “We have been widely recognised as a flagship school in Thailand, having recently won the British Thai Chamber of Commerce ‘Outstanding Small Business of the Year,’ so it’s now great to have stepped onto the international stage.

“Success, such as this, ultimately comes down to one thing, the loyalty and commitment displayed throughout by directors, teachers and support staff, working together with a ‘child first’ mentality.”

She worked at Thursby Primary School from September 2012 to October 2013 before taking up the post of headteacher at the school in Bangkok. Prior to that, Beverley worked at Hunter Hall School in Penrith.

“I enjoy my work so much but have to consider retiring soon, spending more time with my husband Daniel and getting to know my grandson, William.

“For now, it’s the summer holidays, and we all need a well deserved rest after such a successful year.”

The couple have previously spent time in South Africa, where Beverley advised the government and education officials on online education.

She also spoke about a pioneering system to deliver the education through a solar powered satellite internet provision.

A Cumbrian school also received commendations in the awards.

Home from Home nursery in Carlisle was a runner up in the nursery of the year - north category.

They were beaten by Streatham House Nursery in Liverpool.