Staff and pupils at a Thanet school are celebrating after it was the only junior school in Kent to be named ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted inspectors.

Upton Junior School in Broadstairs was judged on all aspects of school life including teaching and learning, behaviour, progress, leadership, and ethos, earning the top rating across the board.

Head teacher Michaela Lewis said: “The inspection result is a proud testimony to the dedication, enthusiasm, support, and professionalism of our wonderful school family – pupils, families, staff and governors.

“There was not one instance of negative feedback from any of our children or our parents. They all praised Upton as a safe, challenging and fun place in which to learn.

“Our shared ethos is “one childhood, one chance” and I am proud that Ofsted saw this in action. The inspectors’ report clearly reflects that our outstanding performance is not just a snapshot of their visit but the bedrock of our school community, day in, day out.

“This inspection is a brilliant platform for us to move onwards and upwards at Upton, to meet new challenges and to aspire further.”

Parties celebrating the result will be held for pupils before the end of term, with a fun day of activities also planned.

The November inspection saw the school’s report move from ‘good’ to ‘outstanding’, after the local authority rated it as outstanding in September.