Holcombe Grammar School has bounced back with a second Good Ofsted rating, after being one of the worst in the country just five years ago.

The school on Letchworth Drive, which was previously Chatham Grammar School, was only the second school in Britain to be put into special measures after an inadequate Ofsted rating in 2013.

But the latest inspection has praised the ‘culture of high expectations’ and highlighted the positive impact that students’ thinking skills are having on their education.

Gwynn Bassan, Executive Principal of Holcombe Grammar School, said: “We are very proud to have been rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted and to receive such praise across so many areas of school life.

“Holcombe Grammar School’s continued success would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of teachers and students, as well as the ongoing support of parents – and I would like to thank everyone for the important part they have played.

“We look forward to going from strength to strength over the coming years, and achieving many more successes.”

The school became part of Thinking Schools Academy Trust in 2015 and has dramatically turned the school around since then.

Stuart Gardner was bought in as head teacher in 2013, was part of the temporary leadership team from Rochester Grammar which came into try and save the school.

Now chief executive of the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, Mr Gardner, said: “I would like to congratulate everyone at Holcombe Grammar School for such a wonderful Ofsted report.

“Students benefit from a vibrant, engaging educational setting in which they are able to flourish and achieve their potential, as shown by the levels of progress and attainment being well above national averages.

“We are all very excited to see the school continue on its upward trajectory of success.”

The report said the governors, middle leaders, staff and students share the school’s vision ‘commitment, dedication and work ethic’.

Lessons are engaging and challenging and develop students confidence, resilience and desire to keep learning.

The full report can be found on the Ofsted website.