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Thomas Knyvett no longer a 'trash tech'
Two years ago it was dubbed 'Trash Tech' but now Thomas Knyvett College has been recognised as one of the most improved schools in the country.
The reputation of the former Ash Technology College and Ashford High School was in tatters when it was relaunched as Thomas Knyvett in 2007 but its remarkable turnaround has culminated in a letter of praise from Schools Minister Jim Knight.
Indiscipline, fighting and poor results were endemic and pupil numbers at the Stanwell Road school dropped off as primary schools advised parents to take their children elsewhere.
Pupils were even ridiculed for attending the school but now they are having the last laugh as the percentage of pupils attaining five or more A*-C grades including maths and English has shot up from 25% to 46% in just two years.
"People used to refer to it as 'Trash Tech'," said 14-year-old current pupil Zarya Newman. "But now we are improving that will stop. I think everyone's attitude is better and it's always a lot calmer and more organised now."
Liam O'Shea, 16, is studying for his GCSEs at the moment and he saw the school at its worst. He said: "The school did well to get rid of pupils who were only here to cause trouble. A lot of people were being held back by them but now everyone has been able to settle down and crack on with their work.
"I think people need to give the school a chance and see the results for themselves. It did have a bad name before but if people look into it they would realise it isn't a bad school any more."
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