A SCHOOL is celebrating achieving a remarkable turnaround just one year after it was rated as “inadequate” by Ofsted inspectors.

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, in Vaagen Road, Canvey, was rated as “good” in all areas following a two-day inspection on February 27 and 28.

The good news comes just a year after the school was rated “inadequate” and put in special measures after safeguarding arrangements were deemed “not effective”.

Inspectors praised the school and its leadership for acting quickly to tackle the concerns.

The report, seen by the Echo, stated: “Leaders, including those in the trust, the diocese and within the school, have worked at pace to rectify weaknesses identified in the last inspection report.

“They have ensured that pupils’ education, well-being, and safety are prioritised. Staff and parents are positive about the school.

“They recognise the improvements that have been made and value the impact that the school has on their children’s education.

“The pupils at St Joseph’s benefit from attending a school where kindness and tolerance are part of daily life.

“Pupils receive a high-quality education. They are very positive about the subjects that they study. Pupils are engaged and excited about their lessons.”

At the time of the inspection, there were 195 pupils at the school, all aged between four and 11.

Phillip Maxfield, interim headteacher of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, said: “I am so delighted for everyone connected with the school. It has taken a huge amount of work by everyone to reach this point – our superb staff, pupils, parents, governors, and our academy trust.

“Today’s success is truly the result of a huge team effort.

“We won’t rest on our laurels though and will continue to work hard every day to build on all the strengths the school has to make it even better. We are committed to making St Joseph’s the best school in the local area, a fully inclusive Catholic community.”

Frank McEvoy, chair of trustees at Assisi Catholic Trust, added: “I am very proud of what they have all achieved and look forward to seeing the school going from strength to strength.”