A primary school previously rated as requiring improvement has been “transformed” according to inspectors in a glowing Ofsted report.

Sissinghurst Church of England Primary school was found to be “good” in the key areas of quality of education, behaviour and personal development, and “outstanding” in terms of leadership and early-years provision.

Since its last inspection in 2023, the school has a new head teacher, Sarah Holman, and a new chair of governors, Juan Garzon.

This time, inspectors praised the school for encouraging its children “to let their light shine,“ whether that be in academic achievement, demonstrating leadership qualities or developing their own unique talents.

The two inspectors said: “Pupils achieve well here.

“Parents and carers describe how their children ‘run into school happily every morning’ because of the engaging activities and relationships they will find there.”

Lead inspector Marion Feeley said: “The leaders have transformed this school, rapidly tackling the issues identified at the last inspection.”

“Parents note how their offspring ‘thrive’ in the care of staff who are committed to supporting their children.

“A well-taught curriculum supports pupils in developing an increasing body of knowledge.”

The inspectors did find that although the children engaged well with their current lessons, some had difficulty remembering previous learning. They suggested the school should develop a system to reinforce previous learning.

But they noted: “The wider development of pupils is an increasing strength of the school.

“Pupils take readily to the opportunities they have to lead, such as being members of the school council, house captains, ‘planet defenders’ and event planners.”

Ms Holman said: “We were delighted to welcome Ofsted inspectors to our school at the end of April.

“They were incredibly impressed with the transformation in provision and opportunities for every child.

“Our vision is to ‘let your light shine’ and we are proud that this has been recognised and that the whole school community can shine brightly.

“We are a growing school with places in most year groups, so if you parents would like their child to come to our fantastic village school, please call us to arrange a tour.”

The school has been promised a visit from Katie Lam, the MP for the Weald of Kent, next month to congratulate the pupils and staff on their success.

The school in Common Road teaches 176 boys and girls, aged between four and 11.