School scores musical status

From the archive, first published Wednesday 15th Feb 2006.

ALCESTER High School has proved its students are still hitting the high notes after being awarded specialists status as a music college.

The Gerard Road school, which has been a Technology College since 1998, was invited to apply after being awarded a "high performing" status.

The accolade comes just months after receiving a very good OFSTED report, where it was graded only one point below the very rarely given outstanding mark.

Only 90 specialist schools in the county have been awarded this high performing specialist school status.

Headteacher Annabelle Guyver said: "The status and funding that go with it will greatly enhance existing music provision and extend what is offered not only to students of the school but also to the wider community and our partner schools."

Helen Whiter, head of school performance at Warwickshire County Council, said: "We are delighted at this news and congratulate everyone at Alcester High School.

"The school has been making excellent progress with its specialist status and to receive this recognition from the Department for Education and Skills is testament to the dedication, effort and commitment of the headteacher, staff, governors, pupils and parents."

As part of the further development of the school, a "Rock Academy" has been launched to give Alcester's youngsters the chance to learn the guitar, bass and drums as well as having rock and pop band tuition.

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