PUPILS and staff at a junior school have been celebrating after an inspection deemed their school to be outstanding.

Highfield Junior School in South Hill Road, Shortlands, was inspected last month by Ofsted and the resulting report found staff to be “caring, considerate and encouraging” while promoting the best from its pupils.

Headteacher Karen Bigg said: "I am delighted the report recognises the outstanding commitment of everyone involved with the school.

“It’s this commitment that enables all of our pupils to make exceptional progress, enjoy their learning and leave Highfield as confident, rounded young people."

The report published last week stated the management team at the school had “instilled a culture of accountability and self-reflection” among staff and the 381 pupils on roll were “polite and courteous”.