ALL three of the area's secondary schools have reasons to be pleased with their performance in the 2004 GCSE league tables, according to the men in charge.

Headteachers Andrew Harris, of Katharine Lady Berkeley's School, Wotton-under-Edge, David Alexander, of Rednock School, Dursley; and Vale of Berkeley College's Aidan Farrell all said their schools were doing well.

Mr Harris was the only one of the three commenting on results achieved under his own stewardship.

He said: "We are certainly very happy with our results. The tables reflect the very hard work of the staff and pupils at the school."

Of 246 GCSE pupils at KLB, 78 percent achieved five or more A*-C grades - a rise of five percent on 2003 (73 percent) and 11 percent on 2002 (67 percent).

The school also recorded the sixth highest Value Added score in Gloucestershire (1014.5), showing excellent development in pupils from when they entered the school at age 11.

Added Mr Harris: "The results are also very good in terms of Value Added, which can be put down to changes in the curriculum so that the needs of pupils across the ability range can be met."

Just two places behind KLB in the county Value Added table, Vale of Berkeley College is also doing a good job of developing their pupils.

Headteacher Aidan Farrell, who took over in September, was pleased with the school's performance (1013.3) in this department.

He said: "One of the strengths of the school is meeting the individual needs of each child."

Thirty-six percent of Vale of Berkeley's 45 GCSE candidates achieved five A*-C grades - a drop of five percent compared to 2003.

However, Mr Farrell was keen to look forward rather than dwell on what had gone on before he arrived.

He added: "I feel that we will be better served by focusing ahead rather than looking at what has happened in the past."

Of Rednock School's 221 GCSE pupils, 62 percent claimed five A*-C grades, which was unchanged compared to 2003 but down on the 69 percent achieved in 2002.

Headteacher David Alexander, who also only took over in September, praised the results.

He said: "We have maintained our high level of five A*-C grades, which is significantly above the national average, while 99 percent of all our Year 11 students have left with a worthwhile qualification.

"We have the potential to improve our results even more and with our supportive parents, excellent staff, as well as enthusiastic students, we should achieve that aim."

However, Rednock's Value Added rating of 972.1 was one of the lower scores in the county.