HARTSDOWN Technology College at Margate has been named as one of the most improved schools in the country. In 1998, 25 per cent of the students achieved five or more A* to C exam passes; in 2001 that figure has risen to 45 per cent.

Its position in the top 50 table in The Times makes the college the most improved school in east Kent and is cause for celebration, says principal Brian Lippitt.

He said: “We came very close last year to a place in the top 50 but this year we are clearly there.

“It is an important statistic for staff, parents, students and governors for it demonstrates a continual improvement in the overall performance of the college. It is also an important indicator to parents of junior school children who are considering the future education of their son or daughter.

“It is a great testament to our teaching and non-teaching staff who work so hard to get the very best from our students, and to the students who realise the importance eof a solid education and who continue to apply themselves with real determination.

“The government is quite clear about the importance of technology colleges to its overall educational development plan and I am pleased Hartsdown is playing its part.”

To mark the success, an achievement trophy is to be presented to the college. It will be named after long serving governor Cllr Charles Young who has worked with Hartsdown for 20 years.