A LOCAL high school is among the latest batch of the nation's schools to be given community specialist status.

Tyldesley's Fred Longworth High arts prowess has earned it selection as one of three new Arts Colleges.

School Standards Minister Estelle Morris this week announced "Freddie's" was one of eight schools specialising in sports and arts whose strengths will be harnessed to serve their community.

Welcoming them into the growing network of specialists, schools' chief Ms Morris said:"I would like to congratulate the school on this conserable achievement.

"Drawing up a development plan and raising the necessary sponsorship requires a great deal of time and effort.

"The whole community must enjoy the benefits. They must work in close partnership with industry, education authorities, colleagues in other institutions and their local communities.

"Specialist schools must raise standards of achievment for students of all abilities.

"As local and regional centres of achievement in their specialist subjects their role is offering facilities and expertise as a resource for others.

"They could play an important role in our proposals for Education Action Zones in areas where there is a high level of disadvantage."

Criteria for specialist grading includes a three year development plan for improving standards and £100,000 of private sector sponsorship to help improve facilities.

In return the school receives £100,000 in extra capital from public funds and for three years £100 per pupil per annum (up to a £100,000 per annum maximum) to support its plans.

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