A primary school has retained its “good” rating after a recent visit from Ofsted and is now aiming to be “outstanding”.

Inspectors went to Dartford Primary Academy on two days in September and confirmed it had sustained its previous status.

Encouragingly, they said there was evidence indicating that an outstanding judgement would have been achieved if it had been a fully graded inspection.

Ofsted will now re-inspect the school within a shorter timescale than normal.

The inspectors’ highlighted its commendable ethos, with pupils living the motto of aspiring to be “determined, persistent achievers, learning to change the world”.

The report noted: “From the early years upwards, pupils happily live out the school's motto.

“Throughout the school, pupils achieve exceptionally well."

The inspectors said: “Pupils benefit from an extremely comprehensive programme of character education.”

Pupils’ behaviour is impeccable

“As a result, pupils do not just achieve well academically - they also learn valuable life skills such as being open-minded, reflective and principled. This prepares them very well for life beyond school."

The report also noted: “The pupils’ behaviour is impeccable. They demonstrate consistently positive attitudes towards learning. Teaching is rarely interrupted.”

Moreover, inspectors said: “The school’s curriculum is highly ambitious.

“It is detailed, sequenced and coherent, which supports teachers to know exactly what to teach and when."

The academy’s focus on reading was recognised, specifically the emphasis on phonics and the cultivation of a love for reading from a young age.

School principal, Rebecca Roberts, said: "I am wholeheartedly grateful to our passionate staff, enthusiastic pupils, and supportive parents whose collective commitment and engagement have significantly contributed to the overwhelmingly positive feedback we have received from Ofsted.

“It’s the unwavering support and the collaborative spirit within our Dartford Primary Academy community that propels us towards excellence.”

The school is part of the Leigh Academies Trust.

CEO Simon Beamish said: “As we approach the 10th anniversary of Dartford Primary Academy joining the Trust, this hugely encouraging feedback from Ofsted is indeed a testament to the persistent efforts of everyone involved over the last few years.

“The prospect of celebrating this anniversary with a formal recognition of “outstanding” by Ofsted would be very well deserved.”

The trust runs 31 academies in total.

The school in York Road, Dartford, has 673 pupils.