TODMORDEN High School's bid for technology college status has impressed Secretary of State for Education, David Blunkett.

After meeting the headmaster, staff, Calderdale Education Committee members and teachers from local primary schools, Mr Blunkett said he was impressed that primary schools were going all the way in their support for making the High School a centre of excellence where all could benefit.

He added: "I am also pleased to hear about the commitment shown by local industry and that has been encouraging for the school.''

The Secretary of State said he could not give a commitment on the application but the support for the scheme had been noted.

He had also been made aware of problems the school was facing with the need for improved facilities.

Council leader Pam Warhurst, commented: "This is exactly what we had hoped to hear, it is quite clear that we have a really positive ally in David Blunkett.''

The Minister was told there had been no capital investment in the school for 12 years. Headmaster Ed Collins and chairman of governors Dr Peter Ehrhardt expressed their concern about safety to children and staff using a staircase to the upper floors and at the need for remedial work on the drive and footpaths to segregate pedestrians and vehicles.

They also called for the upgrading of the science laboratories some of which dated back to the original building in 1957.

Mr Blunkett was told that Todmorden had suffered higher and more sustained levels of unemployment than other towns in the region and that the main potential areas for growth were technology and cottage IT industries.

The overall mission was to provide every pupil with the technological skills for the 21st century and to develop the school as a centre of excellence in the teaching and learning of technological skills for a wider curriculum in general.

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