A Hackney school is on the up after receiving an “outstanding” Ofsted report.

Staff, students and parents are celebrating after it was revealed today that St John the Baptist has officially stepped up a gear since receiving its “good” rating four years ago.

The primary school, on Crondall Street, is part of the primary advantage federation of schools in Hackney and is the fifth school in the group to be judged to be “outstanding”, impressing inspectors – who visited in October – with its “strong leadership”, “rich curriculum” and pupils’ “positive attitudes to their learning”.

Inspectors found that teachers at the school, which caters for 327 students, are “highly trained and use their skills to help pupils make outstanding progress in a range of subjects”.

Head of school Lucy Blewett said: “We are absolutely delighted with the report because it reflects the sheer hard work and dedication of all the staff, governors and pupils and the tremendous support we receive from our community.

“Being ranked as ‘outstanding’ in all areas is a huge achievement and one that truly validates our mission statement, ‘we achieve, we believe’.”

Students were described as being “self-disciplined” and showing “very positive attitudes to their learning”, while disadvantaged students “make strong progress compared with national figures”.

The leadership team were also lauded for being “meticulous” and producing a culture where “only the best will do”.

Cllr Anntoinette Bramble, deputy mayor of Hackney, added: “This is a fantastic result and a testament to the hard work of all involved.

“Hackney now has 18 primary schools rated as ‘outstanding’ and a further 35 rated as ‘good’.

“Our children are outperforming the national average by every measure and, most importantly, children from all backgrounds are achieving great results.

“Congratulations to everyone at St John the Baptist.”

Inspectors noted that in order for the school to improve further it needs to develop systems to track pupils’ progress across all subjects so that they are a effective as those in reading, writing and maths.

To read the Ofsted report visit st-john.hackney.sch.uk.