BISPHAM High - Blackpool's new Arts College - is a school looking to the future.

The forward-thinking establishment on Bispham Road, Blackpool, has started an exciting new term with a new name and a new status, changing from Greenlands County High School.

The school had its bid to become an arts college granted earlier this year and is now one of only 29 specialist arts colleges in the country. And to celebrate the school are holding an evening of music, dance and drama on October 21.

But the changes don't end there - in September 2000 the school will begin its gradual move to becoming co-educational, admitting boys into Year 7.

Earlier this month the builders moved in to begin work on a new dance and drama studio and upgrade the school's music suite.

In addition the school has just taken delivery of computers and software for an integrated learning system designed to help students improve their literacy and numeracy.

Headteacher Alison Berry said: "We have always been excellent in the arts, particularly performing arts, so we were delighted when our bid to become an arts college was granted.

"We proved we were able to give a good standard of education right across the board. As a result we will also be sharing our resources with the local community, hoping local groups will be interested in our dance studio and recording studio, and working together with other primary, special and secondary schools on arts topics. "Now we will have the chance to develop existing skills with outstanding resources as well as continuing a superb standard of education in all other subjects.

"Next September is another exciting change when we will be admitting boys into Year 7. The following year we will be admitting boys into Years 7 and 8 and so on until we become fully co-educational.

"This is probably the busiest time at school I've ever known with so many exciting changes happening or about to happen.

"But it is a time for which we are planning very carefully and we feel we are exceptionally well equipped and prepared for the changes.

"Our facilities are already excellent and there is a good balance of male and female staff, many of whom have worked in co-educational schools before.

"We've also changed the school's logo - which represents the sea and sand - and our uniform after consultation with pupils, staff and parents."

Alison added that she had 20 years of co-educational experience and was looking forward to working with boys again.

Prospective pupils and their parents can see the innovative changes on November 4 at the school's open evening.

For parents who can't attend the open evening, tours of the school will be taking place on November 5.

Anyone wanting more information can call the school on (01253) 353155.

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