A school has jumped from Requires Improvement to Good after a visit from inspectors.

Staff and pupils at Borden C Of E School in Sittingbourne are celebrating following the news from Ofsted.

On November 12 and 13, officers visited the Church of England institution, which teaches children aged four to 11.

It was previously rated Requires Improvement in June 2022, with safeguarding, curriculum and further staff training needed.

In the latest inspection, it has been awarded Good in quality of education and leadership and management, as well as Outstanding in behaviour and attitudes, personal development and early years provision.

The report said: “Pupils are highly motivated to learn. They learn in classrooms that are calm.

“Routines are firmly established, which starts in the early years.

“Learning is not interrupted by any inappropriate behaviour. Pupils learn to respect different peoples’ views.”

The inspector adds that children who are disabled or have special educational needs achieve very well, especially in English and Maths.

It notes that teachers at the school present content “clearly” and have “good subject knowledge”.

The personal, social and health education curriculum was also praised, with children being encouraged to consider others’ opinions and vote for their favourite books.

“Reading is at the heart of the curriculum here,” it goes on to say. “The school wants pupils to read with fluency and confidence.

“Staff read to pupils in a way that engages them. These experiences develop a love for reading.”

“Therefore, teachers teach children to read as soon as they join the Reception Year.

“Staff read to pupils in a way that engages them. These experiences develop a love for reading.”

Ofsted highlighted that staff sometimes fail to check students’ understanding of phonics and in a few cases, support isn’t being given promptly enough.

Targeting this will ensure everyone, especially those needing additional help, achieve their full potential.

Headteacher Georgie Ingram, who took on the role in September last year, said: “We are incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made as a school.

“Our pupils are at the heart of everything we do and this report reflects the hard work and dedication of our staff, pupils and wider community.

“We’re committed to further developing our provision and continuing to ensure that every child thrives here at Borden CE Primary, in line with our vision of ‘Learning together, achieving together, growing together in God’s love.’”

In 2021, the school joined Our Community Multi Academy Trust (OCMAT) and is one of nine managed by the organisation.

CEO David Whitehead said: “It is such a tremendous privilege to work with the wonderful pupils and dedicated staff at Borden CE Primary School.

“This exemplary inspection outcome is hugely deserved and reflects a school that is committed to improving the life chances of every child by providing an environment in which children feel safe and can flourish.

“Since joining Our Community Multi Academy Trust, the school has gone from strength to strength, not only in academic achievement but also in fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment for all its pupils.

“This Ofsted report is a testament to the hard work, commitment and collaborative drive of the staff, pupils and the school’s wider community.”