KEMNAL Technology College is doing the most in Bromley to improve pupils' performance, according to new figures.

The comprehensive school, in Sevenoaks Way, Sidcup, is also in the top 11 most-improved schools in the country, based on passes at GCSE.

Principal John Atkins is delighted with the result and chairman of governors Professor Mark Hector, says he is "immensely proud".

As part of a Government drive to measure progressive performance from age 11, a "value added" score has been included in the league tables for the first time.

This complicated formula effectively measures how much children improve from key stage two to GCSE in Britain's 3,500 secondary schools.

Celebrating the fact Kemnal outstrips other schools in Bromley, Bexley and Kent in this respect, Mr Atkins said: "Our results have been rapidly improving year on year.

"The pupils have worked very hard but their parents have also been incredibly supportive. It is very good to see a Bromley school in the top 100."

Mr Atkins, who was recently awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the College of Teachers for his work in turning the school's fortunes around, added: "It is a fantastic result for us."

Back in 1999, just 29 per cent of Kemnal's pupils passed five GCSEs at grade A* to C. This jumped to 56 per cent last year.

The borough's two selective state schools, Newstead Wood for Girls and St Olave's Grammar School performed well, though St Olave's percentage GCSE passes was down on the previous year.

Other successes included Charles Darwin School, in Jail Lane, Biggin Hill, which also made it into the top 100 most improved section.

Bullers Wood Girls' School in St Nicholas Lane, Chislehurst, was the highest-scoring comprehensive in the borough, with 84 per cent gaining top grades at GCSE. This was up 11 per cent on the previous year.

Release of the performance tables was delayed because of last year's A-level marking fiasco and does not include A-level results.

January 28, 2003 11:00