Pupils’ love of learning, a creative curriculum and the head teacher’s clear vision helped Ofsted rate Sandwich Junior School outstanding in all areas.

Inspectors visited the school in St Bartholomew’s Road on June 21 and 22, and a report was released last week.

Head teacher Sheilagh Roberts celebrated the news after the school was previously rated good.

She said: “Sandwich Junior School is a very special place for pupils and adults alike.

“Our team – children, staff and governors – have all worked incredibly hard to achieve this excellence; therefore it is wonderful to have our uniqueness and vision officially recognised.

“It’s a wonderful way to end the school year.”

Inspectors observed eight lessons across all classes.

They met pupils, the head teacher, the special educational needs coordinator, subject leaders and two governors, looked at pupils’ work, and got feedback from parents.

Mrs Roberts said: “The inspectors commented on how much the children love their school and their enthusiasm.”

They noted that pupils make outstanding progress, entering the school with average levels of achievement but leaving with reading, writing and mathematics skills that are above average.

They commended leaders for developing a creative and challenging curriculum.

Pupils were described as ambassadors for their school, polite and well mannered.

Mrs Roberts added: “We refer to ourselves as the wolf pack and that ‘the strength is in the pack’ – indeed it is.”

The school has 218 pupils aged between seven and 11.

The full report can be read here.