In 1994, James 'Jim' Rouncefield (b.1951) was appointed headteacher. Born in Redruth, Cornwall, Rouncefield had studied Geography at Goldsmiths College and prior to getting the Chis and Sid job had worked as head of Chatham Grammar School for Boys. Shortly after he started his tenure, the school experienced its first OFSTED inspection, which criticised the condition of the building and endorsed a reduction in the staffing budget, resulting in subsequent staff being hired on lower wages but with higher workloads. In 1996 a new sixth form centre was opened, having cost £100,000 to construct, while in 1997 personal computers were installed in the library, and in 1998 a tannoy system was installed in the school. That year, a second OFSTED inspection concluded that the school had greatly improved since 1994. In December 1999 a newly rebuilt Music Block was ceremonially opened by the Mayor of Bexley, and in 2000 the roof of the New Block was replaced. The school then embarked on plans to construct a new sports block, the Jubilee Pavilion, and sought sports college status.