Three years ago it was in special measures, but an Eltham school recently taken over by a top academy group has now been rated outstanding in every way.

Harris Academy Greenwich in Middle Park Avenue has been praised by Ofsted for pupil achievement, behaviour, teaching and leadership.

It marks an incredible turnaround from its time as Eltham Foundation School, put into special measures back in 2010 after inspectors were dismayed over pupils' lack of progress, their absences from lessons and constant changes in the post of headteacher.

In 2012, the school came out of special measures in what executive headteacher Chris Tomlinson called "record-breaking time".

It then became an academy run by the Harris Federation, with plans for a £30m new building and an outstanding Ofsted report in 2014 - a target the academy has now hit.

Principal George McMillan said: "I am incredibly proud of these results, and I feel very passionate about what we have achieved. 

"In January 2011 the school was in special measures. Now, for three years in a row, we have achieved some excellent results and given the community a school they can be genuinely proud of." 

Inspectors wrote: "The quality of teaching is outstanding. Questions are probing and the tasks set are imaginative and challenging. As a result students are highly engaged in their learning. 

"Students’ behaviour is outstanding both in and out of lessons. Students feel safe, attitudes to learning are excellent and relationships are characterised by respect for all."

Greenwich Council's cabinet member for children's services Councillor John Fahy said: "My congratulations to Harris Academy - the students, the staff and the governors - for making excellent improvements all round and achieving a top quality report from Ofsted."