A ROSSENDALE school has taken a major step towards becoming a specialist college.

Alder Grange High, Rawtenstall, was among 25 schools from across the country to be approved as an affiliate school to the Technology Colleges Trust.

Governors are set to meet in the next few weeks to decide whether or not Alder Grange should apply for full specialist status, either as a technology or a business and enterprise college.

Specialist schools have to raise £100,000 in private sponsorship as well as pass stringent standards tests to successfully apply for the status which brings extra funding and other benefits.

Neighbouring All Saint's High and Haslingden High schools are already affiliated to the Trust.

Iain Hulland, head at Alder Grange, said: "We're giving serious thought to going for either technology college status. We're looking to plus a gap in technology or the new business and enterprise area.

"The economy in Rossendale is up against it and there's a feeling if there's going to be regeneration it will be home-grown.

"The governors will have to make a decision in the next few weeks on whether we go ahead with an application to become a specialist college. It's fair to say they're minded to do that but they want to be sure that by going for specialist status it won't be detrimental to the school. Some schools simply stay as affiliates.

"Being an affiliate brings several benefits, including the chance to network with others schools who are already preparing for special status."

Mr Hulland said as a specialist school, Alder Grange would continue to deliver the national curriculum but with extra emphasis on its specialist area. It would also share the benefits specialist status brings with other local schools.

To become an affiliate Alder Grange had to undergo a "health check" and make a detailed submission to the Trust which sent an inspector to the school.

Other schools recently made affiliates included Parklands High, Chorley, and Broughton High, Preston.