A PRIMARY school is celebrating an incredible turnaround after impressing inspectors and earning the top grade from watchdogs.

Just 20 months ago Great Bentley Primary School was told it required improvement by Ofsted.

But after a huge effort from pupils and staff it has now risen two grades to be rated outstanding after its latest inspection.

Watchdogs visited Great Bentley at the end of September and were impressed by what they saw.

But a second inspection was organised by Ofsted to clarify the result – due to the enormous improvement since 2014.

After a lengthy wait the original report was confirmed, marking the school as outstanding in every area.

Deputy headteacher Tracy Cooke said: “Going from ‘requires improvement’ to ‘outstanding’ in 20 months is quite an achievement and we are extremely proud.

“We have only just got the report and we are delighted. They have given us the top grade in all five categories.

“They sent extra inspectors because our grade had jumped up so dramatically.

“I don’t think they see that very often and it’s very unusual to get a second inspection like that. The process was so thorough.

“It has been a real journey and we were confident we were on the right track, but it is wonderful to see it confirmed like this.

“They were so complimentary of the staff and students and it is a mark of the dedication shown by everyone to get to this point.

“The recognition from Ofsted is great but the thing we are most proud of is just what is happening at the school on a daily basis.”

Inspectors had special praise for the curriculum, the quality of teaching, the leadership at the school and the behaviour of pupils.

Their report said: “School leaders, with the wholehearted support of the governing body, responded to the findings of the previous inspection with remarkable focus and vigour.

“They have brought about very rapid improvement in teaching, learning and assessment and, consequently, all groups of pupils achieve extremely well.”

Great Bentley Primary headteacher Tracey Caffull added: “An outstanding team is one where everyone excels at their part.

“I am privileged to work in a team just like that and I am very proud of all pupils and every member of staff.”