PEOPLE in Colne are set to benefit from a £200,000 community learning centre at Park High School.

Headteacher Alan Chambers revealed the plans at last night's presentation evening at Colne Muni.

The centre is a result of Park High's successful bid to become a specialist mathematics and computing college which will see more than £400,000 poured into the school over the next four years.

Mr Chambers said: "A huge amount of effort went into preparing the successful bid and we were eventually successful in raising the £50,000 in external sponsorship.

"The extra resources that specialist status brings have already begun to have a significant impact in school on both teaching and learning opportunities and will contribute significantly to our continual efforts to raise standards and help our pupils to realise their potential.

"Over £400,000 in the next four years can't fail to have a significant impact.

"Let us not forget that specialist school status will have huge benefits for the local community as well as for the school. By the end of August 2006 we hope to have spent nearly £200,000 on building a new community learning centre on the school site."

Mr Chambers singled out Year Nine pupils for praise following the school's best-ever SATs results but stressed that exam results and targets were not everything and it was important to develop "rational, balanced, adaptable individuals" who recognise their contribution to society.