HEADTEACHERS celebrated six of the best for Bury high schools, when efforts to clinch specialist status were rewarded.

Six of the borough's secondary schools will receive more than £3million in extra funding after successful bid applicants were announced this week.

The award brings in £100,000 for each school to refurbish or construct new buildings, with an extra £123 for every pupil each year for the next four years.

Although schools will focus on their chosen speciality from September, all national curriculum subjects will continue to be taught.

To apply, each school had to raise £50,000 and submit a four-year plan of its aims to the Department For Education and Skills. Included were details of how the proposals could benefit the wider community and other schools through a variety of initiatives.

The figures add up nicely for Tottington High, which has attracted £500,000 to specialise in maths and computing.

Part of the cash will be used to extend and improve computer facilities and the school's learning resource centre.

Alan Scott, headteacher, said: "We are delighted with the news that we are to be designated the borough's first specialist college in this field. Our aim is to make this major strategy work for all members of the community, within and beyond the school."

Staff at St Gabriel's RC High had the right formula with their bid for recognition in science. The school now aims to expand resources in science, maths and computing with around £600,000 in extra cash.

Headteacher Eddie Robinson said: "This is an exciting venture and the impact will be felt throughout the school. Part of the initiative will be to develop various science projects with feeder primary schools, high schools, colleges and the wider local community."

At Elton High, which will receive around £500,000, headteacher Neil Scruton welcomed the news that allows provision of a community college for visual arts. He said: "This marks a major new phase in our school's development and further pursuit of the highest standards of attainment for all pupils."

In Whitefield, Elms Bank is one of a handful of educational needs centres in the country to obtain specialist arts funding. The school aims to build on its existing strengths in visual art, drama and music with nearly £500,000 expected.

Headteacher Lynn Lines said: "We believe that we are only the third special school to be given special status in the arts, which is a real accolade for our staff and pupils."

New funding of £420,000 will equip Parrenthorn with the tools to become a centre of excellence in technology, and expand community use. Head teacher Mick Fitzgerald said: "Greater use of computers and up-to-date technology will enhance learning in all subjects."

And the stage is set for Prestwich High to excel in the performing arts with just under £600,000 for projects that include a new IT Suite and a dance and drama area.

Head teacher Geoff Barlow said: "This designation rounds off a very successful year in which the school has won five awards already.

"I would like to reassure parents that we will remain a community comprehensive school offering academic excellence across the whole of the national curriculum."

The latest awards mean that ten of the borough's 14 secondary schools will have specialist status. Coun Maggie Gibb, Bury Council's executive member for lifelong learning, said: "This is a huge boost for specialist teaching at schools across the borough, but also strengthens the capacity for all Bury's high schools and ultimately it will help our children to benefit from the development of expertise across the different subject areas."

Education Minister and Bury South MP Ivan Lewis said: "This will see millions of pounds of investment come into our secondary system."