An Islington school has improved its Ofsted rating – despite the headteacher being at home with meningitis when the inspection took place.

Inspectors found in March that Thornhill Primary School was “good” across the board, a little over two years after it was given a rating of “requires improvement”.

Inspectors found that Jenny Lewis, who was appointed interim head in September 2015 before winning the permanent role in April of last year, has “quickly created a culture of high expectations” and, with her senior leaders, had been “successful in improving the school”.

Ms Lewis, who is making a “good recovery” and was back at school last week, said: “We are thrilled that inspectors saw the same positives in our school that we see every day.

“It recognises Thornhill’s numerous strengths and is testament to the ambition, talent and commitment of our staff and leadership team – not to mention the support of parents, carers and the wider school community.”