LEIGH is well ahead of the field when it comes to teaching trades in schools.

This week education secretary David Blunkett announced new-style vocational GCSEs in engineering, building and plumbing alongside more academic studies from September 2002.

They've been doing them at Westleigh High for two years.

Earlier this month Leigh's Education Action Zone announced it was buying a run down house so that pupils can work on doing it up.

What an amazing move. It can only be good for students not interested in academics - though a course in a couple of the subjects wouldn't do the swots any harm either.

In the past academic qualifications have been valued more than vocational ones, now they will be put on the same footing. Why not?

The new subjects will probably instil hope and enthusiasm into 14-years-olds bored with the three Rs and stop them skiving off classes.

Those taking part will be allowed to take up work experience or go to college for two days a week.

Pupils opting for work experience will be offered apprenticeships in their chosen skills from 16.

Some teachers are unhappy that children will not get the kind of broad education they need at that age, but if kids don't want to learn at 14 they won't.

Surely they are better doing something they enjoy rather than playing truant and causing upset to those who do.

We place too much on academia. Many of the pupils who were in the lower streams at my schools and didn't go to uni have gone on to higher and better positions than the clever clogs.

My cousin earns three times more than I do as a brickie - and you can't get any tradesman cheap can you?

It's a brilliant scheme and the children should love it. It could make school the happiest days of their lives for those who now dread it - and that can only be a good thing.

How school days are changing for the better.