TWO Pendle schools have received prestigious national honours for their work.

St Mary's Primary School, Newchurch-in-Pendle, is believed to be the smallest of just 200 schools across the country to receive acclaimed Beacon status, while Park High, Colne, has been awarded a Sportsmark honour for its high quality of sports teaching on and off the field.

Head of Park Alan Chambers, said: "Park has an excellent record of achievement in sport over many years and I am delighted that this has been recognised by Sport England with this Sportsmark award." The award is made to schools in recognition of their commitment to developing sports in partnership with their local community.

Head of PE Brenda Sagar, said: "We are proud to have helped pupils to national and international standards and we are all thrilled by this award."

The school will be presented with the Sportsmark logo and certificate, which is valid for three years, next month. St Mary's, which has 35 pupils, has been selected as one of only 125 schools in Britain to meet the Beacon standard, a key part of the Government's drive to raise standards. It brings the total number to 200. It means St Mary's will be able to bid for extra resources and will be held up as an example of good practice for other schools to follow.

In a letter to Pendle MP Gordon Prentice, Education Minister Estelle Morris, said: "The next step for schools to take towards Beacons status is to complete a 'letter of agreement' which will set out the activities they will undertake, the funding that will be provided by the Department for Education and Employment and the terms and conditions of Beacon school status."

Head Suzanne Waller, said: "We are very pleased. Above all, Beacon status is about sharing experience to raise standards in schools. We look forward to not only sharing what has worked for us, but also to learn from good practice in our partner schools."

Mr Prentice said it would help raise standards and benefit his constituency of Pendle.

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