THREE schools in East Lancashire could become the first to specialise in two areas.

The Hollins Technology College, Accrington, Pleckgate High School Mathematics and Computing College and Witton Park Business and Enterprise College, both Blackburn, have been identified as ‘high performing’ specialist schools following last year’s GCSE exam results.

And as a reward the Department of Children, Schools and Families has asked each high school to add on another specialism.

Schools can specialise in another subject or opt to become a ‘Leading Edge School’ and share their expertise with other schools in the area.

Each of the three schools are in the process of putting together a bid following a meeting in London last month.

But head of The Hollins Technology College Mark Jackson revealed he hopes the Hollins Lane school could become a Leading Edge School and work in partnership with Rhyddings High School, Oswaldtwisle, Mount Carmel RC High School, Accrington, Norden High School and Sports College Rishton and Sir John Thursby Community College, Burnley.

Pleckgate head Robin Campbell is also hoping to become a Leading Edge School with English as an additional language as its focus.

And Gwen Onyon head of Witton Park revealed the school was considering adding a science specialism, incorporating technology, engineering and mathematics.

Pleckgate head Mr Campbell said: “We are really delighted. I felt it was a recognition of the team work of the staff at Pleckgate. We do not want to be complacent and we feel by taking another specialism we can go to the next level and really continue to raise standards.”

Hollins head Mr Jackson said: “We hope to work in partnership with the other schools to offer a lead in it. We want to draw the best out of each of the schools.”

Mrs Onyon added: ”We are delighted that our work has been rewarded and shared nationally. It is a tribute to the excellent progress being made.

”Everybody associated with the school, students, parents, staff, governors and the local community are proud of the achievement and share in the success.”

Specialist schools work in partnership with private sector sponsors and are given additional Government funding to specialise in an area.

There are 2,695 specialist schools - around 85 per cent of all secondary schools.