Pass-mark scandal school returning to normality

Cambridge High no longer boasts a 100 per cent pass rate in the national secondary school exams - and staff there couldn't be happier.

Commissioner Dennis Finn said the school had achieved a 71 per cent pass rate at NCEA levels one, two and three.

In addition, nine students had passed Scholarship exams, which replaced Bursary last year, including one who was awarded Outstanding Scholar in English.

"It's quite an achievement and we are delighted with that performance," Mr Finn said.

The Waikato school is being physically and psychologically rebuilt after a torrid time last year.

Accusations of mismanagement, staff bullying and exam mark manipulation, prompted four separate investigations and eventually resulted in principal Alison Annan, three deputy principals and the Board of Trustees leaving the school.

One of the sparks that led to the school being scrutinised was a 100 per cent NCEA pass rate.

Mr Finn said the 2004 pass rate was around the national average.

"It highlights the quality of teaching that was always going on despite the strains and pressures of serious issues and the investigations."

The library, controversially closed by Annan, has been reconstructed, new classrooms have been built and the gym upgraded in a $1.5 million scheme.