A school is celebrating a reversal in fortunes after previously spending three years in special measures.

Lansdowne Primary in Gladstone Drive, Sittingbourne, has retained a "good" rating overall from Ofsted and is now judged to be "outstanding" in four out of five inspection categories.

The school was initially visited by Ofsted inspectors in 2013, who judged it to be inadequate.

It was then put in special measures by May 2014.

The Stour Academy Trust was approached by the Department for Education in November of the same year to take over, after concerns about the school’s future.

Three years later, Lansdowne was inspected again and was awarded a "good" overall rating, with "outstanding" effectiveness of leadership and management and early-years provision.

In the previous report it said: “The trust has been instrumental in supporting the headteacher to achieve rapid improvements at Lansdowne.”

The most recent Ofsted visit in December builds upon the success of the previous inspection – with the school also being awarded "outstanding" in the behaviour and attitudes and personal development categories.

Inspectors noted how the school removed barriers to learning and also commented favourably on the behaviour of students, the strength of reading, as well as the high ambitions and expectations for all students.

It said: “In lessons and around school, pupils behave admirably.

"Respectful of adults, they listen to instructions and explanations attentively.”

The report goes on to state that staff "understand the needs of pupils" and that they "do everything possible to remove barriers that prevent learning".

Leaders were said to have created a "culture of high expectations for all" and the resources used by staff are carefully adapted so that all pupils learn effectively.

However, very occasionally, in a small number of lessons, the report notes activities teachers choose for pupils do not match well enough with what it is that they want pupils to learn.

As a result, there is a risk of pupils developing gaps in learning but this is "something leaders are aware of and are tackling".

Claire Jobe, headteacher of Lansdowne Primary School, said: "We are immensely proud of the outcome of this inspection and to have official recognition of the high-quality education that children receive here at Lansdowne.

"We have to thank our amazing children, our dedicated staff and the fantastic support of our parents, carers and the wider community for making the school a place where every child can excel."

Rachael Howell, chief executive officer of The Stour Academy Trust, added: "It has been a highly transformative decade for Lansdowne Primary School, who can now cement their place as an exceptional school for children in the local community.

"Our commitment as a trust to removing barriers to learning for all children has been recognised in the report, and we are excited to see the children thrive as we prepare them for success in their futures."