The MP for Dover has welcomed “significant improvement” at Astor College for the Arts after its latest Ofsted report.

The school which was rated as needing improvement in all categories last year was inspected again in January with a much more positive outcome.

Following from its success, MP Charlie Elphicke visited the school last week to discuss the changes with new head teacher Lee Kane and former acting head Sue Knight-Fotheringham.

Mr Elphicke was also taken on a tour of the school’s art and design department by sixth formers Emma Howsam, Lauren Brown, Yasmin Smith and Erica White.

He said: “It was encouraging to visit Astor School and hear about all the improvements they have been making. I was pleased that Ofsted have recognised the efforts of the staff and pupils to raise standards.

“Thank you to the sixth form students who took time out from their day to show me around the school. The quality of the artwork on display was fantastic. It is really great we have a school in Dover that is focused on nurturing artistic and creative talent.”

The MP heard from the pupils what they thought could be done to improve the school and how many of the buildings are in need of refurbishment.

The full report which was published last month showed that the school’s priority is for better GCSE results after a drop in August last year.

Staff were said to be taking action to turn it into a good school by inspector Theresa Phillips, with better communication, a greater sense of common purpose and a shared vision with the pupils’ wellbeing at the heart of this.