Hartridge High School's nadir was in 1992 when exam results were at an all-time low and it had the highest levels of unauthorised absence of any school in Wales.

Judging schools based just on results is never fair. Some schools, for instance, have special educational units. Hartridge is one of these and takes challenging pupils from across the city.

And looking purely at results is not an indication of how far a pupil may have progressed during their time at that school.

But when Goff Davies arrived at Hartridge in 1996, it was clear that improvements could be made and the difference he and his staff have made over that time has been officially recognised by Estyn, the inspection body.

It was acknowledged that the school's worst year was in 1992 when only nine per cent of pupils achieved five A to C grades at GCSE while only just over a quarter came away with five grades A to G.

"Hartridge at that time had the highest level of unauthorised absence of any school in Wales," added Mr Davies.

"When I came here in 1996, 16 per cent of pupils had five A to C grades."

His first major change to tackle that particular problem was simple but effective - to enter all pupils for the exams not just those who were expected to do well.

"We wanted to say to these youngsters 'we think you are capable of studying for GCSE'.

"We were trying to raise their aspirations and get them to believe in themselves."

It was a strategy that proved successful almost straight away and has seen dramatic improvements year on year. In 2004, 78 per cent of pupils got at least five GCSE grades A* to G and 28 per cent achieved at least five passes at A* to C.

Unauthorised absence levels have also fallen to just over two per cent in 2004/2005 with attendance at a record high of about 88 per cent.

"It is really just sheer hard work and working with parents. We have seen a big increase in the number of parents turning up for meetings and we would like to say a big thank you to parents who work with us," said Mr Davies.

Some new head teachers find that staff can be hostile to change but Mr Davies did not find that in Hartridge.

"I am really lucky here, I have got a fantastic staff. A lot of the staff had been here a very long time but I found them to be very supportive."

His ideas found favour with the staff and he also felt it was important from the beginning to listen to what they had to say and ask them what their priorities were for improving the school.

Together they put together a school development plan, the framework of which hasn't changed. There were four major objectives (not in any order of importance) to improve

the quality of teaching and learning

the self-esteem, confidence and aspiration of the youngsters

the curriculum, wherever possible

the school environment.

Those remain as important today as they were then and he believes improvements could still be made.

"I'm very fortunate that my board of governors are absolutely superb," said Mr Davies.

"They let me manage the school. They are part of the decision-making process but don't interfere. There is no in-fighting and we are all rowing in the same direction.

"Hartridge has always had a tough reputation because of its history and unfortunately we still suffer with that which is a great shame.

"You have to look at the ability of pupils at intake and what they achieve. Yes, our exam results are not as good as some other schools but if you measure our youngsters' ability when they join us then our results prove we give added value to our youngsters."

But there is no intention of resting on any laurels.

"I am looking forward to the future. Some days are better than others but what I do like about it is that every day is interesting."