THE Ramsgate School in Thanet shares the position as the worst performing school in the country for the second year running according to league tables produced by the Government. Its performance is in stark contrast to Ramsgate's two grammar schools, Chatham House and Clarendon House, which are placed first and second respectively in Kent. Dane Court Grammar at Broadstairs is sixth best in the county. All three are well placed nationally.

Ramsgate School head teacher Gwen Porteous is upbeat about the future of the secondary modern and says that the tables do not tell the real story behind the school. She said: “People do notice the tables and none of the staff take any pleasure from the school’s position because it does not make good reading.

“But take a walk around the school and you can see and feel the tangible improvements in spirit, attitude and determination that is evolving every day. We are making very real inroads into the lives of our children and we are beginning to make a difference.”

Mrs Porteous, who took over as head last year, added: “My staff are supportive and we are working terribly hard to change the legacy that the Ramsgate School carries. There is a real air of optimism about the place and parents who do venture in to visit us are pleasantly surprised at what they find."

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