The five secondary schools in the Thanet Excellence Cluster took part in the area final of the Year 9 National Quiz Competition hosted by King Ethelbert School. The first round had already taken place in each school with the two winning teams from each going through to the area final. The teams of 4 had to answer questions on history, geography, science, maths and general knowledge. The questions were not easy and the TEC project director confessed to only getting 5 out of 10 in history - but doing better in geography and science! The Marlowe Academy established an early lead before being overtaken by Ellington School for Girls and then Hartsdown Technology College. King Ethelbert School then went into the lead and held their lead until the very last question when they were pipped to the post by Hereson School who came first and Hartdown Technology College who came second. The first three teams then took part in the regional final in Ashford.