BEDFORD High has gone platinum.
The Leigh school is one of the first in the country to be recommended for the Award for Excellence in Work Related Learning after curriculum changes led to improved attendance and reduced exclusions.
The highly-prized decoration puts the school at the peak in its field and follows the coveted Investors in People Award.
A delighted head, Stephen Preston, said: "This is more fantastic news for the school. The fact that we have been recommended for platinum status -- the highest level -- bears testimony to the hard work of the staff, particularly Mrs Barbara Jones and Mr Norbert Gough.
"This will lend credence to our bid for business and enterprise status."
Phil Arnold, Leigh Education Action Zone's alternative curriculum co-ordinator, has worked hand-in-hand on the programme during the last two years.
He said: "This has been all about enabling children to succeed. "The idea behind the project is to ensure that the school curriculum is more practical, to allow students to pick up experience in the classroom, learning skills they will need in employment.
The inspection team from Warwick University commended the growth of vocational courses and commitment over the past 18 months.
They were shown how the programmes had improved attendance and reduced exclusions. The school will hold their platinum status for three years.
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