An Upper Norwood school has become one of the first in the country to be awarded the new mathematics and computing specialist status by the Department for Education and Skills DfES.

Virgo Fidelis Convent Senior School will join Croydon's other specialist schools and boost the range of specialisms on offer in the borough.

It is hoped an investment of around £50,000 to £150,000 from the school and £100,000 from the DfES will help make the school a model of excellence in the chosen area and improve its links with industry and sponsors.

Croydon's cabinet member for education, Councillor Louisa Woodley, said: "Virgo Fidelis is about to embark on an exciting project that will lead to increased learning opportunities for its pupils.

"As well as achieving the highest standards of teaching and learning in its specialist area, Virgo Fidelis will become a valuable resource for neighbouring schools and the local community, strengthening partnerships between the school and businesses."

Specialist status will enable the school to raise the standards of achievement through focus on mathematics and computing, encourage the sharing of resources and good practice between schools, develop links between sponsors by providing work placements for both pupils and teachers and providing pupils with the skills employers and industry need.

Headteacher, Sister Bernadette, said she was thrilled with the news, promising to raise 16 plus take up rates in maths and computing.

"We see this is an opportunity to enrich our community links," she added.

Coulsdon High, Edenham High, Westwood High and Woodcote High also offer specialisms in technology, language and sports.

Contact Virgo Fidelis on 020 8670 6917.

July 17, 2002 12:00