A HIGH school in Suffolk has set the wheels in motion to apply for specialist status so it can focus on art, drama, music and dance.Hadleigh High School already specialises in science but is now hoping for the chance to become a specialist arts school as well.

A HIGH school in Suffolk has set the wheels in motion to apply for specialist status so it can focus on art, drama, music and dance.

Hadleigh High School already specialises in science but is now hoping for the chance to become a specialist arts school as well.

The first step of the process, to apply for gold arts mark status, is underway but the Highlands Road school will not be able to seek full specialist status for another two years.

In order to achieve the first goal they have to demonstrate a certain level of quality within each of the four core areas and show a general involvement at all levels both within and outside the curriculum.

If all goes to plan it means the school will benefit from a boost in funding to use for the specialist subjects.

Headteacher Cathy Tooze said: “Because we only applied for specialist science status two years ago we cannot apply for arts status until 2008 because the bidding is done on a four year cycle.

“However we knew that we wanted to specialise in the arts next and were keen to get things moving along so that we are fully prepared and have the best chance possible when the time comes.

“The science status has really made a tremendous difference across the curriculum and raised the profile of the whole school and we hope the arts will have the same effect.”

Mike Quinn, head of the arts faculty, added: “The status will give us an increase in funding that will allow us to hire specialist teachers and among other things invest in new technology.

“It's a very positive move because, not only does it allow us to celebrate the achievements of all our students, but we will be able to recognise their excellence and give the whole of Hadleigh a real boost.”

craig.robinson@eadt.co.uk