A SCHOOL is celebrating being one of only three in London to receive new Government status.

Glebe School, Hawes Lane, West Wickham, has received Cognition and Learning Status after its application to Education Secretary Alan Johnson.

The new status, effective from next month, means the school will receive an annual grant of £60,000 for four years.

It will also get an additional £100,000 for a building project, together with £20,000 sponsorship by a builders' merchant.

The money will be used to develop a new drama and media centre, due to open next year.

Funds will also be used to develop outreach services for pupils with additional learning needs in mainstream education.

The school was recognised for its value-added achievement, a factor by which students' improvement increases beyond expectation.

Special schools in Hounslow and Camden also gained the status.