A group of eight young people aged 13 to 17 passed their GCSE's with high grades at the Adult Education College Bexley, Brampton Road.

The group attended the courses after their parents contacted the college to explain the home-educated children needed to gain some examination passes.

The youngsters - all school leavers due to bullying and other aspects which they had been unable to cope with - excelled in the college environment.

A typical example of the success is a girl who suffered from panic attacks when she joined the college. Once the courses had started however these panic attacks began to dispel and tutors discovered she could write brilliant poetry. They awarded her an A* for her English coursework.

Others in the group were teenages who wanted to learn but had been unable to achieve in disruptive classes at their schools. Tutors say they were keen, attended regularly and all passed their English GCSE in nine months, including the youngest aged 13, with three of them gaining As.

Most have returned this year to take more courses or have joined other colleges, or have found work. One boy was a great asset to the college by completing his work-experience in the college centre office.

The young people say they love studying in an adult education environment and the adults say they enjoy having these lively and interested youngsters around.

Richard Easterbrook, principal of the college, said: "Everyone has noticed the transformation in the demeanor of this group since it joined the college - from children with heads hanging low, to enthusiastic, confident young adults."