Staff and pupils are celebrating after receiving top marks from Ofsted.

The Queenborough School and Nursery on Sheppey was marked as “outstanding” by the education watchdog, according to a report published this week.

It achieved a high score in each of the different areas judged, including the quality of education and the behaviour and attitude of pupils, when Ofsted inspected it in July.

This helped the school retain its overall grading of “outstanding”.

The team of three inspectors explored all aspects of the school over the two-day period, speaking to staff, governors, pupils and their parents.

It provides education to almost 500 learners across an age range of two to 11 years old.

The final report praises staff for their “determination to empower pupils to succeed in a very positive and caring environment” and states that “all pupils thrive academically and socially due to the excellent standard of education they receive”.

Head teacher Jason Howard said: “I am immensely proud of the entire school community for once again demonstrating what an incredible school we have.

“The children were so pleased when I told them the final inspection grade in assembly which just proves how much pride they feel for their school.”

The report, which was published on September 26, also praised work to ensure that children developed links with the local community and are focused on their progress.

It highlighted that “the personal development curriculum promotes pupils’ well-being and develops their character exceptionally well” and that “pupils get involved in the local community and learn about citizenship and responsibility”.

The recently appointed head boy and head girl, both 10, also share a pride for the place.

Head boy George said: “It’s amazing news and I feel so proud to be part of an outstanding school.”

Brooke, the head girl, added: “I’m really proud of all the pupils and teachers.

“This is such a great community to belong to.”

The school was first recognised as “outstanding” in October 2016 and since then has become an academy, joining the EKC Schools Trust in 2020.

Mr Howard continued: “The support and guidance that has come from joining our Trust has enabled us to sustain the high level of education that we provide and helped the school go from strength to strength.”

EKC Schools Trust chief executive Tammy Mitchell added: “We are so proud of everyone at Queenborough as they are once again recognised as outstanding.

“This judgment represents the commitment of everyone at the school to ensure that children from Sheppey receive the best possible start to their education.”