A school is celebrating top marks – just two years after being rated as requiring improvement.

Education watchdog Ofsted has heaped praised on the teachers, pupils and governors at Barnsole Primary for the way its has transformed since its last inspection.

The school in Gillingham was previous criticised for poor pupil behaviour, teaching and progress. But it has now been rated outstanding in all areas.

Head teacher Sean McKeown, who joined the school in April 2014, is described by Ofsted as “inspirational”.

The report highlighted how he has created a culture of high expectations and a vision of excellence that is shared by staff and governors.

Teaching has improved rapidly since the previous inspection. Pupils make rapid and sustained progress in reading, writing and maths.

Outcomes for pupils at the end of Key Stage 2 in Year 6 are above national averages and they are well prepared for the next stage of their education.

Disadvantaged pupils also achieve as well as all others.

"It has been a real team effort" - head Sean McKeown

Inspectors found children’s behaviour has “improved remarkably”. Attendance has also improved and is now in line with the national average.

Oftsed also praised the environment within the school, which has almost 700 pupils.

Inspector Lee Selby said: “The bright and colourful school environment vividly represents and reflects the exciting, broad and balanced curriculum that pupils at Barnsole enjoy.

“Walking around this vibrant school can take you from Ancient Egypt to outer space in just a few short steps.”

The school’s nursery was also rated outstanding and inspectors said the younger children “get off to a superb start”.

As part on the inspection, Ofsted spoke to parents. One said the school had improved “beyond all recognition”.

Mr McKeown said: “I am delighted that we have gone from requires improvement to outstanding in such a short space of time.

“It has been a real team effort and we have had the support of the parents and the local authority.

“Staff are enthusiastic and committed, they don’t settle for second best. The children are taught to believe in themselves and behaviour has improved.

“The whole mood in the school has changed.”