A GIRLS' school is celebrating after a year of hard work and dedication ensured its GCSE pupils made the most progress in Lewisham borough.

Prendergast School, in Hilly Fields, Brockley, tops the first "value-added" secondary school performance tables, which measure pupils' improvement between Key Stage 3 tests at 14 and GCSE.

It topped Lewisham's value-added table with 104.6 points while Bonus Pastor and Sydenham schools were close behind on added values of 103.5 and 102.7.

Headteacher Erica Pienaar said: "The governors and staff of the school were delighted to see Prendergast on top of the Lewisham table for people progress and in the top 25 per cent countrywide.

"This excellent result is the outcome of careful planning, consistent practice and sheer hard work."

Sydenham High School topped Lewisham's general performance tables with 100 per cent of pupils gaining five A* to C grades, St Dunstans' College came second with 99.3, followed by Haberdashers' Aske's Hatcham College at 79.

Lewisham cabinet member for lifelong learning Councillor Katy Donnelly said: "These results are a tribute to the hard work, dedication and commitment of our headteachers, teachers, pupils, parents, and governors.

School Standards minister David Miliband, who congratulated all schools across the country, says the Government is determined to work with schools to make sure pupils perform well at Key Stage 3 which is a strong predictor of GCSE success.

To access the school league tables follow the link at www.newsshopper.co.uk

January 28, 2003 11:00