BACUP and Rawtenstall Grammar School has been awarded with a specialist status in maths and computing.

Headteacher Marc Morris said the school had fulfilled a long-standing aspiration to build on its skills with help from a £140,000 annual cash boost.

When the school became a technology college in the early 1990s, it was the only specialist status available, but after 15 years, they were invited to apply for a second specialism after receiving notification of being a high performing school.

Mr Morris said: "We are thrilled for the whole school community. There were four strands to the technology college focus and after discussions we felt that a mathematically rich curriculum would embrace all aspects of school life.

"We will receive financial support and the money will be used to address the identified needs within the school development plan and will support additional ICT facilities alongside additional course opportunities and maths and computing related activities.

"The development of mathematics has been identified as a national priority - we are delighted to be leading in this area.

"We aim to become a centre of excellence in these subjects and strengthen teaching and learning across the school curriculum.

"We will also have further capacity to offer a wide range of activities to the local community."