A school labelled “inadequate” and put into special measures almost two years ago has pulled itself out in dramatic fashion.

St Francis Primary School in Queen’s Road, Maidstone, was given the damning judgement by Ofsted 22 months ago, but this week celebrated being classed as “good” in every category.

The inspectors had been due to visit only for monitoring purposes, but on their first day they were so impressed by what they saw it was converted to a full-scale inspection – which then brought the school out of special measures.

Acting head teacher Elisabeth Blanden said it was an emotional moment when she shared the news with staff.

She said: “We had a few tears. They were just so happy to see it confirmed that the school was capable of being at least a good school.”

The report found few areas for it to improve, so managers are now already aiming to receive an “outstanding” label next time.

It praised leadership and management, saying they had transformed the ethos of the school and now regularly analysed pupils’ progress and monitored teaching closely.

It said: “Their determination, ambition and unwavering belief that all staff can improve have revitalised teaching, raised pupils’ achievement and transformed the ethos of the school,” adding: “Governors are astute and challenge school leaders with incisive questions.”

The report also said: “Pupils behave well.

“They attend well and value being part of the harmonious and diverse ‘school family’.”

“Pupils wear their uniform with pride.

“They keep their books neat and tidy and understand the importance of taking care of their work.”

It added that to become an outstanding school it needed to ensure more able pupils attained the highest levels and improve how a minority of students achieved well in reading and maths but less well in their writing.

Chairman of governors Sarah Whitbread said: “We very much had an ambition for the school; we knew what we wanted and it has been transformed. It is a very different place now.”

The school has increased its roll while in special measures, going from 351 pupils to 390.