PUPILS at a school once dubbed the worst in the country were treated to a top ministerial visit to celebrate a massive improvement in standards.

Ed Balls, secretary of state for children, schools and families, visited New Brompton College, Gillingham, on Tuesday to talk to children and teachers.

The school was once dubbed the worst in the country because of its poor exam results but is now considered to be one of the most improved.

According to government statistics students at the school make more progress in learning over five years than students at 95 per cent of schools across the country.

Mr Balls was impressed with what he saw, he said: "It is a school that is doing brilliantly well in really challenging circumstances. It is one of the most improved in the country. Staff and pupils have obviously worked very hard."

Mr Balls also attended a conference on education at Priestfield Stadium, Gillingham, where he met teachers from across Medway as well as representatives from youth groups, the police and Medway Council.