One of Kent's most deprived schools has scored its first ever "good" Ofsted rating after 30 years of being labelled "inadequate" and "requiring improvement".

Richmond Academy, Sheerness, received the rating in all inspection categories by the education watchdog after being turned around by The Stour Academy Trust.

In a glowing report, inspectors, who visited the primary last November, highlighted the unfaltering efforts of leadership, the high-quality curriculum, the behaviour of pupils and the children’s well-being.

It stated: “Leaders have taken the school on a journey of continual improvement.

"They are tireless in their efforts to provide the very best education because their pupils deserve nothing less.

“Everyone who works in this school cares deeply about the pupils. Each and every pupil matters.

“In the early years, children learn in a stimulating, vibrant environment.

"They encounter interesting activities that help them to learn important knowledge and skills.

“Staff are determined to make all pupils confident, fluent readers who love reading.

“School leaders have worked closely with leaders across the trust to develop a high-quality curriculum. This begins with firm foundations in the early years.

“Children get off to a strong start learning to read. They enjoy reading.

“Pupils’ mental health is a high priority. Pupils feel listened to.

“Pupils are kind, polite and friendly to one another, and to school staff.”

Richmond Academy has been labelled as the county's 8th most deprived school.

It first became an academy in 2014, sponsored by the now-dissolved Lilac Sky Schools Academy Trust.

After being taken over to The Stour Academy Trust in 2017, the Unity Road school in Sheerness has seen a dramatic turnaround.

Head teacher of six years, the longest-serving at the institution, Helen Evemy, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the results of the Ofsted inspection, which reflect the hard work and dedication of our staff, children, and community.

"It is a true testament to the transformation of Richmond Academy over the past few years, and we are so proud to have received the first ever ‘good’ rating in the school’s history.

"We are committed to continuing to provide the highest quality of education and support to our children, and we are excited to build on this success in the future.

"Most importantly, this report highlights that above all else, the well-being and happiness of our children is at the very heart of what we do, and as written in the report, everyone who works in this school cares deeply about the pupils -each and every pupil matters”

Rachael Howell, chief executive officer at The Stour Academy Trust: "It has been extremely meaningful to receive recognition from Ofsted for our efforts to prepare our children for success in the 21st century.

"Our commitment as a Trust to providing a high-quality, innovative curriculum that purposefully incorporates the latest technology and teaching methods has been recognised in the inspection report, and we are excited to see the children at Richmond thrive as they develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

"We understand the importance of providing a strong foundation and support system for all our children and are pleased that Richmond Academy can now become an influential cornerstone of the Sheerness community, supporting the growth and success of children and families.”

The full Ofsted report can be read on Richmond Academy’s website here.

Parents wanting to apply for their children to attend have until Monday January 16 to apply for places.

It has 426 children, aged from two to 11, on its roll.