TWO Kirklees schools are celebrating after being awarded specialist subject status.

Students and staff at Fartown High have achieved specialist status for science and the humanities and Westborough High in Dewsbury gained combined status in business and enterprise and the arts.

They will begin operating as specialist schools from September.

Fartown headteacher Isabella Atraszkiewicz, who took over as head in September, is delighted with the specialist status.

“It is a reflection of all the hard work by students, staff and our school partners,” she said.

Schools Minister Andrew Adonis said: “Their new status will give them the benefits others such schools have gained, including support from their sponsors, strong leadership and a clear sense of mission, backed by challenging targets and partnerships with other schools.”

Elizabeth Reid, chief executive of the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust, said: “Having specialist status is an excellent achievement and I would like to congratulate the 89 schools being awarded this status.

“Partnerships are at the heart of the specialist system and a vital ingredient in raising standards.

“We look forward to working with these schools to support them in building links with other schools and education institutions, businesses and the local community to the benefit of all students.”

Specialist schools focus on their chosen subject area, but must also meet all other subject areas in the national curriculum to deliver a broad and balanced education to all pupils.Š

There are 10 specialist categories: technology, languages, arts, sports, business and enterprise, engineering, maths and computing, science, the humanities and music.

To apply for specialist status schools must raise £50,000 in private sector sponsorship and draw up a school and community plan to raise standards, increase provision and encourage take-up in their specialist subjects.

Their community development plan will show how they will share the benefits of good practice, expertise and resources with other schools named in the plan and with identified groups within their wider community.Š

To help them develop their specialisation specialist schools receive additional Government cash.

This includes £100,000 for a capital project to enhance the facilities in the subjects related to the school’s specialisation.

The schools will also receive about £129 per pupil per year (£645 per pupil for curriculum special schools), to develop their specialist school plans.