The county's very own version of Fame has wowed Ofsted with its debut inspection.

MEPA Academy in Maidstone is the county’s only independent performing arts secondary school.

It only opened in September last year and its classes are taught in the middle of town in Earl House, Earl Street, just two doors down from the Hazlitt Theatre.

There are 19 pupils aged 11 to 16 on its roll – although it can take up to 50 – and it costs £4,500-a-term to attend.

They follow a varied curriculum through to GCSE level, with the addition of vocational training in performing arts.

MEPA stands for Mandy Ellen Performing Arts and it bears the name of its principal, who first founded a school of dance in the town more than 30 years ago.

Commenting on the inspection result, Mandy said: “We are so thrilled that we have just received a ‘good’ Ofsted rating with ‘outstanding’ in behaviour and attitudes.

"This is a big achievement as we have only been open since September 2021.

“We have worked hard on making sure our students have access to a broad and balanced curriculum with a mixture of academic and vocational subjects.”

An Ofsted inspector visited between September 27 and 29 and a report on their findings was published this month.

It says that pupils have high attendance rates and are committed to the school.

“This is evident in their very high attendance rates and their positive attitudes to the school and their learning,” the inspectors said.

“Pupils take a pride in their work and their presentation.

“Exercise books and work folders are kept to a high standard.”

Inspectors also highlighted how students behave well at the academy, adding: “Pupils know exactly what is expected of them.

“Behaviour and attitudes are exceptional across the school.

“Relationships are highly respectful and mutually supportive. Pupils care for one another.

“Consequently, they are happy and they feel safe. Bullying is extremely rare and quickly dealt with when it does occur.”

However, it says that the school’s curriculum is not fully embedded due to the fact it has been open for only a year.

Currently “further work is needed to embed the curriculum”, as well as developing the BTEC National Diplomas which they are supporting.

“The school is working hard to further embed the curriculum and develop the vocational provision in performing arts,” the report states.

“Leaders have very high expectations. They know the school well and have a clear understanding of where improvements need to be made.”

Pupils can apply to attend MEPA Academy through an auditioning process, which is held three times a year. The most recent was held last Friday.

This includes an audition – involving acting, singing and dance numbers – an interview and a maths and English assessment.

There are seven academic staff and nine vocational staff.