A SOUTH Lakeland secondary school is one of just 100 institutions across the country to be appointed as a Teaching School by the Government.

The prestigious status awarded to Queen Elizabeth School in Kirkby Lonsdale on behalf of the South Lakes Federation of Schools is based on the model of teaching hospitals where excellent providers share their expertise.

Nine schools in the federation are to benefit from the move as additional funding and resources will be directed their way.

Head teacher Chris Clarke said: “While Queen Elizabeth acts as the gateway school, this status has been awarded to the whole federation and it is exciting to be at the cutting edge of education policies.

“We have already been working in partnership with other schools within the federation but this formal status gives us the chance to extend this beyond the federation and into schools and primaries.”

More than 800 schools applied to become Teaching Schools when the Government announced its new scheme in November. Only 100 schools were selected and Education Secretary Michael Gove wants the new-style schools to carry out teacher training, professional development and support schools facing challenging circumstances.

Mr Clarke said: “Ultimately the responsibilities that used to be the domain of the local authorities are being returned to practitioners, and that’s exciting.” The South Lakes Federation was chosen because of its track record of collaborative relationships with partner schools, the number of outstanding and good grades from Ofsted among its schools and consistently high level of performance.

An annual grant of £60,000 will be given to the school in the first year but the federation hopes to generate an income by charging schools.

The initiative will be steered by head of Settlebeck School Judith Green.