SECONDARY schools face a major shake-up after Education Secretary Estelle Morris branded the nation's 40-year-old comprehensive system a failure.

The minister claimed that schools had failed in their mission to raise standards for all. And she outlined her vision of a "new comprehensive ideal", where diversity would be fostered and schools given the freedom to innovate.

In East Lancashire, however, several schools are already part of her stated vision of a world where specialist and beacon schools will foster "a culture characterised by high expectations, collaboration and innovation."

In Burnley, for instance, increased diversity is on the cards following the official report into last summer's disturbances. The report suggested the riots in the town were triggered in part by the fact that some sections of the community live - and learn - in isolation.

In response, Lancashire County Council is proposing to end its policy of sending pupils to the high school nearest their home. Instead, they are likely to go to the one which specialises in the subject areas they are best at.

Ivy Bank High School could become a specialist college for business and enterprise, while St Theodore's RC High School could be given sports college status. A city learning centre could also be created at Towneley High School.

A county council spokesman said: "Parents will still be able to state a preference for a school but will be advised which suits their child the best."

At St Bede's RC High School in Blackburn, headteacher John Challoner and his staff are busy preparing a bid to be designated a specialist sports college.

Mr Challoner said: "It would offer a wealth of opportunity for development. Standards of achievement both in PE and across the school will rise, and the level of participation will increase - for St Bede's pupils and the local community."

David Whyte, the headteacher of St Wilfrid's High School, Blackburn, which was one of the first technology colleges to be established in 1997, believes diversity is not new on the local agenda.

"Our schools are all different, but they all have strengths and serve their pupils and the community well."

"We must beware returning to selection through the back door," he warned.

Blackburn with Darwen's director of education and lifelong learning Peter Morgan said: "The council and its schools are proud of their record, so far, of school improvement and in raising standards.

"Our schools have never been "One Size Fits All" - as Ms Morris claimed - and we encourage schools to be responsive to the needs of their communities and pupils.

"We already have a diverse, innovative and exciting range of schools."