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Students and staff at the Holmesdale School in Snodland can congratulate themselves after significant improvements have led to the school's being taken out of special measures.
A recent full Ofsted inspection still listed the establishment as "requiring improvement," but noted that the quality of teaching and effectiveness was now "good" in four out of five areas: effectiveness of leadership and management, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and the sixth form provision.
The inspection marks a significant leap forward since the last full inspection in February 2018 that resulted in its being placed in special measures.
The school is now an associate member of the Swale Academies Trust who brought in new head of school Glen Prebble from Ashford's North School two years ago to reverse its fortunes. It was previously supported by the Brook Academy Trust.
Mr Prebble said: "We've made a point of engaging the whole school community and continuously encouraging the students' ambitions."
He said he thought that strangely Covid and the subsequent enforced closures had helped. He said: "It really helped us bond together; there was a spirit that we were all in this together."
The Ofsted report noted: "Leaders have systematically improved the school. They have created a calm and respectful school community."
Mr Prebble said that he, along with all the staff and executive board, were extremely pleased with the result.
Mr Prebble said: "Our Ofsted report clearly shows that we have an ambitious curriculum in place, supported by excellent relationships.
"I am very proud of our students, their families and our dedicated staff for the way in which they have all shown teamwork, positive relationships and resilience in such challenging times."
The inspectors found that pupils appreciated the ambition that staff had for them and the liked the fact that there was always someone who would listen and help if needed.
The executive head teacher is Nicki Hodges.
She said: "I have been so impressed by the dedication and hard work of the staff and pupils at the school."
She said: "Even with the difficulties that everyone has faced over the last couple of years they have not stopped striving for best practice in wha they have achieved.
"I am very proud to be working with such an excellent team that puts the students at the heart of everything they do."
The school is running with just under 500 pupils - it could take a thousand. Figures fell with the school's previously declining reputation.
Mr Prebble said: "It takes some time to change parents' perceptions, but now with this new Ofsted, we hope to see numbers increase."
