A Bay of Plenty kindergarten is celebrating excellence.

For the second year running Inspired Kindergartens has been recognised a a finalist in the Prime Minister's Education Excellence Awards.

'We have been selected as finalists in 2017 and 2018 amongst more than 120 applicants,” says head teacher Gill Wright.

'Applications are from across the education sector ranging from early childhood to college.

'The awards were announced in July, and although we did not win our category, we feel very proud that for two years we have been identified as showing Excellence in Engaging.

'This celebrates working together as a community to transform relationships and achievement, leading to improved and sustained outcomes for all children and young people.”

Their hard work has been celebrated in a red carpet event which was held at the Papamoa centre on Tuesday and was attended by children, their families and even a guest appearance from Tauranga mayor Greg Brownless.